ICAR Clears Dr. Asit Chakraborty of Misconduct Charges, Tripura High Court also Quashes Disciplinary Proceedings
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 1, 2025
In a major relief to Dr. Asit Chakraborty, former Director of the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD), Government of Tripura, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, has officially cleared him of all allegations of misconduct and insubordination. The Council has also closed the disciplinary proceedings that were initiated against him by the Tripura Government in 2019.
According to a communication issued by ICAR (File No. 3-13/2019-Vig.II) and dated October 31, 2025, the Council reviewed all records and concluded that Dr. Chakraborty had acted in accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura during his tenure as ARDD Director. The communication, signed by Sanjeev Kumar, Under Secretary (Vig.II), on behalf of the Director General, ICAR, stated that the charges of insubordination and lack of devotion to duty were not substantiated, and as no mala fide intention or misconduct was found, the disciplinary proceedings were formally closed.
The case traces back to January 2019, when the ARDD initiated disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Chakraborty after he was repatriated to his parent organization, ICAR. Following this, Dr. Chakraborty challenged the action in the Tripura High Court, which delivered a crucial verdict in his favor.
In its judgment, the High Court observed that once Dr. Chakraborty had been repatriated to his parent department, the General Administration (Administrative Reforms) Department of Tripura did not have the authority to initiate any disciplinary action against him. Referring to Rule 20(1) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, the Court held that the disciplinary proceedings initiated by the memorandum dated 22 July 2019, along with all subsequent orders, notices, and enquiry reports, were invalid and stood quashed.
The Court’s order, signed by Justice S. Talapatra, categorically stated that the entire disciplinary proceeding initiated by the memorandum dated 22.07.2019 and subsequent orders, notice, enquiry report arising therefrom all are quashed. It further mentioned that the concerned department may send any allegation to the petitioner’s parent department (ICAR) at their discretion, but the Court would not issue any direction in that regard.
Following the High Court’s order, the ARDD forwarded the matter to ICAR for further consideration. However, after a detailed review, ICAR dismissed the complaint and informed both the ARDD and Dr. Chakraborty of its decision to close the case completely.
Records examined by ICAR showed that Dr. Chakraborty had constituted an official committee and submitted required reports in 2018 under government instruction. He had also provided a detailed Action Taken Report and written explanations to the Additional Chief Secretary, ARDD, on 24 September 2018. ICAR noted that while there was some delay in submission, all actions were taken transparently and in compliance with official directives.
The final closure of the disciplinary proceedings brings an end to a six-year-long ordeal and stands as a significant vindication for Dr. Asit Chakraborty, who is currently serving as Principal Scientist at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya.
With this decision, both the Tripura High Court and ICAR have exonerated Dr. Chakraborty from all charges, reaffirming his professional integrity and adherence to administrative procedures.
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