Suspended PCS Officer Alankar Agnihotri to Challenge UP Government Action in High Court, Alleges Unjustified and Arbitrary Suspension

Suspended PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri has decided to mount a legal challenge against the Uttar Pradesh government’s suspension order and is preparing to move the High Court seeking relief.

 Agnihotri recently arrived in Prayagraj, where he held extensive consultations with senior advocates to chalk out a legal strategy.

According to sources close to the officer, Agnihotri believes that the suspension imposed on him is unjustified, arbitrary, and in violation of established service rules.

During his meetings with lawyers, he discussed every aspect of the case in detail, including official records, correspondence,e and other relevantdocuments to file a strong and comprehensive petition.

A writ is expected to be filed in the High Court shortly.

Agnihotri has expressed confidence that the judiciary will provide him relief, maintaining that the action taken against him lacks a solid legal foundation.

His supporters have also termed the suspension hasty and unfair, stating that the truth will come out during judicial scrutiny. With the matter now set to reach the court, attention has shifted to the forthcoming hearing.

The Uttar Pradesh government suspended Alankar Agnihotri following a series of actions that, according to the administration, amounted to violations of service conduct rules.

The controversy began on Republic Day, when Agnihotri, who was then serving as City Magistrate in Bareilly, submitted his resignation in protest against certain government policies.

In particular, he publicly criticised the newly introduced University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, describing them as discriminatory and harmful to students from certain sections.

In his resignation letter and subsequent public statements, including posts on social media platforms, Agnihotri strongly opposed these regulations and termed them unjust.

The government took serious note of the fact that a serving officer had publicly criticised official policy, which, officials said, breached the neutrality and restraint expected of civil servants under conduct rules.

Agnihotri also raised issues related to the alleged disrespect shown to religious figures and their followers during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.

These assertions, coupled with his public statements, were seen by the administration as giving the matter political and ideological overtones.

Further, the state government cited his alleged participation in public protests and slogan-shouting demonstrations following his resignation, which were reportedly held at the Bareilly Collectorate.

Officials claimed that such actions disrupted administrative functioning and further constituted indiscipline.

Based on reports submitted by the district administration, including video footage and digital evidence, the state government initiated disciplinary proceedings against Agnihotri and placed him under suspension pending inquiry.

A chargesheet is also being prepared as part of the departmental process.

As the legal battle now shifts to the High Court, the case is being closely watched within bureaucratic and political circles alike, given its implications for service conduct rules, freedom of expression, and administrative discipline.