Archive · 31 Jan 2026
SC Criticizes RBI Governor, Orders Fresh ITAT Panel
The Supreme Court of India has criticized the RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, for not stepping down from a committee that rejected Pramod Bajaj's application for a job at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).
The court said this was unfair and could look like bias.
They ordered a new committee meeting to reconsider Bajaj's application, making sure the RBI Governor is not part of it.
The court also fined the government for delaying the case.
Bajaj, who has a clean service record, was initially recommended for the position but faced delays due to some negative reports.
The court wants to ensure a fair process this time.
The Supreme Court criticized RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra for not recusing himself from the ITAT selection committee.
The court ordered a fresh meeting of the Search-Cum-Selection Committee to reconsider Pramod Bajaj's candidature, excluding Malhotra.
The court imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the Centre for procrastination and creating obstacles in Bajaj's case.
The court noted that Malhotra's involvement in the committee raised concerns about bias and fairness.
Bajaj, a former Army officer with an unblemished service record, was initially recommended for the ITAT position but faced delays due to adverse inputs from the Intelligence Bureau.
- Who
- Pramod Bajaj, a former Army officer and income-tax commissioner
- What
- Supreme Court quashed the rejection of his candidature for ITAT member and criticized RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra for not recusing himself from the selection committee
- When
- January 30, 2024
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- Due to alleged bias and departmental vendetta
- Petitioner
- Pramod Bajaj
- Position
- Member (Accountant), ITAT
- Committee
- Search-Cum-Selection-Committee (SCSC)
- Fine Imposed
- Rs 5 lakh on the Centre
- Controversial Officer
- Sanjay Malhotra, RBI Governor
- Contempt Proceedings
- Faced by the officer
- Service Record
- Unblemished
- Adverse Inputs
- Intelligence Bureau inputs
Sources
SC quashes rejection of ex-Army officer’s candidature for ITAT member, slaps fine on Centre
‘Fortifies aspersion of bias’: SC raps RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s presence in ITAT panel, seeks fresh review of IRS officer’s case
