Ng Roben Singh

Summary

Told the tribunal he had been transferred 30 times in 17 years; refused a posting to Jiribam during the Manipur conflict, was suspended, and won at CAT, which the High Court then stayed.

His own statement to CAT, recorded in the order: 30 transfers in 17 years since joining on 16.08.2007, of which eight as an IAS officer in 5 years 3 months (May 2019 to Aug 2023). The state did not contest the count in the passages read.

1. Aug 2023Documented

   Joint Secretary (Cooperation / RD & PR), ImphalDeputy Commissioner, Jiribam (did not join; suspended)

   During the Meitei-Kuki conflict he was ordered to take charge as DC Jiribam, about 18 months into his Imphal posting. He refused, citing the conflict and the danger of road travel; the state arranged a helicopter, which he also refused, and suspended him (Sangai Express, Aug 2023). He argued before CAT, in person, that the transfer was made without the Civil Services Board's recommendation required for a premature transfer. CAT quashed the transfer and, as a consequence, the suspension. The state appealed; the Manipur High Court stayed CAT's order and left the state free to issue a fresh transfer order as per rules.

   Up against

   Government of Manipur, State government (Department of Personnel) Government: N Biren Singh (BJP), Manipur.

   Reported reason

   The suspension order: 'The conduct of Ng Roben Singh, IAS is unbecoming of a Government servant.' (Sangai Express).

   The officer said

   Cited the ethnic conflict and the danger of travelling by road (Sangai Express); told CAT the order breached Rule 7 of the IAS (Cadre) Rules.

   The other side said

   Before CAT, the state said 'transfer and posting of any employee for efficient administration and public interest is within the ambit and power of the State Government' (Sangai Express). Before the High Court it argued the posting was a same-cadre post and that he had now completed two years and still not joined (Manipur HC order).

   Outcome

   CAT quashed the transfer and suspension on 17.12.2024; the High Court stayed that order on 12.02.2025 pending hearing.

   What became of the matter

   Pending. Manipur HC WP(C) 118/2025 was listed for 12.03.2025; later outcome not traced. indiankanoon.org

   • Judgment Ng Roben Singh v. DoPT, CAT Guwahati Bench, OA 042/331/2023 & OA 042/37/2024, para 3, Dec 2024

     Applicant appeared in person and stated that within a period of 17 years since he joined the service vide Order dated 16.08.2007, he was transferred 30 times; further, he was inducted into the Indian Administrative Service vide DoPT's Notification dated 03.05.2019. He was transferred eight times as an IAS Officer within a period of 5 years 3 months.

   • Judgment Same order, para 22, Dec 2024

     Going by the above, it is purported that the action of the State Government of Manipur by transferring applicant in less than 1 year and 6 months at the last place of posting, which is Imphal, without due recommendation of Civil Services Board is in contravention of the provisions of Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) amendment Rules, 1954, amended in 2014. Hence, the impugned transfer order dated 02.08.2023 is ultra vires of the provisions of IAS (Cadre) Rules 1954 (amended in 2014), and, is quashed accordingly so far the applicant is concerned.

   • Order State of Manipur v. Ng Roben Singh, Manipur HC, WP(C) 118/2025, Feb 2025

     In view of the above, without prejudicing the rights of both the parties, there shall be an order of interim stay of the impugned order dated 17.12.2024 passed in O.A. No. 37 of 2024 with liberty to the petitioner department to issue fresh transfer order and posting order to the respondent No.1, if so advised as per rules.

   CAT Guwahati Bench (Indian Kanoon), Dec 2024 · The Sangai Express, Aug 2023 · The Sangai Express, Jan 2025 · Manipur High Court (Indian Kanoon), Feb 2025