Will the Karnataka Government Appeal the CAT's Ruling on Senior Cop's Suspension?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government plans to appeal CAT ruling.
- CAT found no substantial evidence for officer's suspension.
- 11 lives were lost in the tragic stampede.
- Political backlash from the BJP following the ruling.
- Importance of adequate preparation for police during events.
Bengaluru, July 1 (NationPress) The Karnataka administration has announced that it will soon make a decision to lodge an appeal against the Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) ruling which annulled the suspension of a senior IPS officer linked to the tragic stampede on June 4 that resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing the CAT's decision to overturn the suspension of senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, remarked that an appeal is a viable option and a suitable decision will be made in due course.
The CAT concluded that the Karnataka government's suspension order lacked sufficient and substantial justification.
Vikash Kumar Vikas, one of five officers suspended regarding the stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, had contested his suspension in front of the CAT.
The court added, "In light of the established legal principles, we anticipate that the government will extend the same consideration to other suspended officers."
It was further noted that these other officers should receive similar benefits without the necessity of court intervention.
"Law enforcement personnel are indeed human. They are neither 'deities' nor 'sorcerers' and do not possess any magical abilities akin to 'Alladin's Lamp' that can fulfill every wish instantly," the CAT remarked.
"To manage such large gatherings effectively, the police require adequate time for preparation. However, prior information was not communicated to them," the CAT highlighted.
The tribunal observed that the officers were suspended without adequate evidence or grounds, thus rendering the suspension order invalid.
In the meantime, the Karnataka BJP has criticized the government following this development.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra commented on the CAT ruling, stating, "The Congress government has faced a setback as the court overturned the suspension order of Additional Commissioner of Police Vikash Kumar Vikash related to the unfortunate incident during the RCB victory celebration in Bengaluru."
"This decision has effectively embarrassed the Karnataka government, which had taken action against officials to mask its own administrative shortcomings," Vijayendra asserted.