On Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the tenure of Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar for an additional three months until August 2024. This extension follows a previous six-month extension set to end on May 31, 2024, despite opposition from the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government.
Naresh Kumar, a 1987 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, was appointed as Chief Secretary in April last year, having previously served as CS of Arunachal Pradesh. Initially scheduled to retire on November 30, 2023, his tenure was extended by the Centre, asserting its authority to extend the Chief Secretary's tenure for six months.
This decision faced opposition from AAP, which raised concerns in the Supreme Court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the extension, citing the capital's significance and the rules limiting extensions to six months.
The AAP and Delhi Chief Secretary have been embroiled in disputes over governance issues. In November last year, AAP minister Atishi accused Naresh Kumar of favoritism toward his son in securing a government tender. Atishi recommended his immediate removal and disciplinary action. However, the report was dismissed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who criticized it as biased and lacking merit, potentially hindering ongoing investigations.
