In a development that caught many in administrative circles off guard, the Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday designated Sanjay Gupta (IAS:1988:HP) as the Chief Secretary of the state. The posting was carried out in “public interest” merely four days before his retirement on May 31, 2026.
Gupta is presently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning and Housing Department. He had also been carrying the additional responsibility of Chief Secretary since October 1 last year following the retirement of Prabodh Saxena (IAS:1990:HP).
The move triggered surprise across Shimla’s power corridors. Conversations regarding the next Chief Secretary had reportedly been limited to Kamlesh Kumar Pant (IAS:1993:HP) and Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS:1994:HP). However, instead of declaring a successor, the government officially elevated Gupta to the position.
The state administration has yet to clarify who will replace him after his retirement later this month.
Meanwhile, the appointment has drawn judicial attention. Last week, the Himachal Pradesh High Court issued notices to the state government, the Centre and Sanjay Gupta while hearing a PIL challenging the decision to retain him as Chief Secretary despite three corruption-related FIRs pending against him.
The petitioner contended that integrity is essential in senior administrative appointments. It was further argued that officers occupying top constitutional and administrative positions should possess unblemished records.