The Central Administrative Tribunal has ordered the Defence Ministry and the Defence Research and Development Organisation to restart the selection process for the post of Director General and Chief Executive Officer of BrahMos Aerospace, directing them to reconsider the claim of senior scientist Sivasubramaniam Nambi Naidu. The tribunal also ordered the removal of incumbent chief Jaiteerth R Joshi from the position and instructed that an interim arrangement be made, explicitly stating that Joshi should not be given charge during this period.
In its ruling, the Hyderabad bench of the CAT observed that while the Secretary, Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO has the authority to approve one of the candidates recommended by the Selection Committee, this power cannot be exercised by ignoring the service records and seniority of other eligible officers. The tribunal held that all empanelled candidates must be evaluated fairly before a final appointment is made.
Naidu had challenged Joshi’s appointment on the grounds of procedural irregularities and unjust supersession. He argued that he was seven years senior to Joshi and held the higher rank of Distinguished Scientist, while Joshi was a Scientist ‘H’ at the time of his appointment as DG and CEO. According to Naidu, the selection process failed to properly consider merit, experience and seniority.
Accepting these arguments, the tribunal directed the Defence Ministry and DRDO to reassess the entire selection process and reconsider Naidu’s claim within four weeks. It also ordered that an in-charge arrangement be put in place during this period, barring Joshi from continuing in the role.
BrahMos Aerospace is a prestigious Indo-Russian joint venture known for developing the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, one of the fastest in the world. The tribunal’s decision is expected to have significant implications for leadership appointments within India’s strategic defence research establishment.
