The Kolkata bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has ordered to issue notice to Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman, CBIC in a contempt case filed by the Commissioner Satyajit Singh.
The matter arises from an application filed by Satyajit Singh against Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), over delays in implementing directions related to Singh’s promotion.
The dispute stems from an earlier order passed by the Tribunal on 03 July 2025 in O.A. No. 785 of 2025, where the CAT had examined the grievance raised by the applicant regarding his promotion to the post of Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Taxes.
The Tribunal noted that the applicant had already been found fit for promotion to the post of Commissioner. Following his promotion, a review Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) was proposed to consider his further elevation to the rank of Principal Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Taxes. The proposal for review DPC was to be taken up with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which plays a key role in senior civil service promotions.
Despite these directions, the Tribunal observed that over a year had passed without any communication to the applicant regarding the final decision on his promotion.
In its July 2025 order, the CAT had directed the Chairman of CBIC to take appropriate steps to obtain a final decision from the competent authority; act in accordance with the observations contained in a letter dated 10 June 2024; initiate steps for granting the applicant the due promotion; and complete the process, including any follow-up action under applicable rules, within two months from the date of receipt of the order.
The Tribunal had disposed of the original application without imposing any costs but expected the authorities to comply with the directions within the stipulated timeframe.
The applicant informed the Tribunal that he had formally communicated the earlier order to the authorities through a letter dated 10 July 2025 sent via speed post.
However, the applicant alleged that the Tribunal’s directions have still not been complied with, prompting him to file the present application seeking enforcement of the order.
After hearing the counsel for the applicant, the CAT bench comprising Administrative Member Anindo Majumdar and Judicial Member Urmita Datta (Sen) admitted the application.
The Tribunal directed its registry to issue notice to the respondents, seeking their response on the alleged non-compliance.
The applicant has also been directed to complete the procedural formalities required by the registry.
The Tribunal has scheduled the matter to be listed “For Orders” on 7 April 2026, when it will review the responses from the authorities and decide further action.
Case Details
Case Title: Satyajit Singh Versus Vivek Chaturvedi
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