The MHA initiated disciplinary proceedings under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules. Jaiswal was served charge memoranda in 2009 and 2010. The Central Vigilance Commission and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) were consulted, and UPSC recommended her removal from service.In a rare instance of major penalty against a serving IAS officer, the Centre has removed Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch AGMUT cadre officer, from service on charges of corruption. Jaiswal, who is Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department of the Delhi government, faces dismissal following a long-drawn disciplinary process.Official sources confirmed that the removal order was issued earlier this week with final approval from the President of India on the recommendation of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) headed by the Prime Minister. In regard to AGMUT cadre officials, the DoPT takes such a decision on the recommendation of the MHA.When contacted, Jaiswal said, “I am not aware of any such development or any dismissal order being passed.”The action stems from allegations dating back to 2007-08 when she served as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. A complaint filed by local residents in February 2008 had accused her of misappropriation of government revenue and misuse of official position. She was placed under suspension in April 2008. In October 2010, her suspension was revoked.The MHA initiated disciplinary proceedings under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules. Jaiswal was served charge memoranda in 2009 and 2010. The Central Vigilance Commission and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) were consulted, and UPSC recommended her removal from service.However, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) had earlier set aside the proceedings initiated by the MHA, holding that the MHA lacked jurisdiction over AGMUT cadre officers.The Union government challenged the CAT order before the Delhi High Court, which on April 1 this year ruled in favour of the Centre.Story continues below this adThe HC observed that the CAT had “erred” in its finding and restored the disciplinary proceedings to the stage at which they were stayed.Following the HC verdict, the MHA completed the process and recommended the major penalty of removal.In her over two-decade career, Jaiswal has served in key positions in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry.Major penalties like dismissal or compulsory retirement are imposed infrequently on IAS officers, making this action significant.Story continues below this adDisciplinary proceedings are initiated against officials by their cadre controlling authorities and the outcome of corruption cases are decided by the courts based on charge sheets filed by investigating agencies. Shyamlal Yadav is one of the pioneers of the effective use of RTI for investigative reporting. He is a member of the Investigative Team. His reporting on polluted rivers, foreign travel of public servants, MPs appointing relatives as assistants, fake journals, LIC’s lapsed policies, Honorary doctorates conferred to politicians and officials, Bank officials putting their own money into Jan Dhan accounts and more has made a huge impact. He is member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). He has been part of global investigations like Paradise Papers, Fincen Files, Pandora Papers, Uber Files and Hidden Treasures. After his investigation in March 2023 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York returned 16 antiquities to India. Besides investigative work, he keeps writing on social and political issues. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:New Delhi