PCS Officer Alankar Agnihotri’s Resignation Rejected, Placed Under Suspension; Departmental Inquiry Ordered

Lucknow:
The Uttar Pradesh government has rejected the resignation of PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri, who was serving as City Magistrate in Bareilly, and has instead placed him under suspension, ordering a departmental inquiry for alleged violation of service conduct rules.

The action comes amid heightened political and administrative controversy in the state over the UGC’s new regulations and remarks related to Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand. On Monday, Agnihotri tendered his resignation in protest, while on Tuesday, Prashant Kumar, Deputy Commissioner in the State Tax Department posted in Ayodhya, also submitted his resignation, expressing anguish over comments made against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

However, the state government has not accepted the resignation of either officer.

Suspension and Inquiry Against Alankar Agnihotri

According to official sources, Alankar Agnihotri has been suspended with immediate effect, and a departmental probe has been initiated against him. The Bareilly Divisional Commissioner has been appointed as the inquiry officer. During the suspension period, the PCS officer has been attached to the District Magistrate’s office in Shamli.

Officials said Agnihotri will be served a charge sheet shortly.

Violation of Service Conduct Rules Cited

A senior official from the Appointment Department stated that disciplinary action was taken as the officer allegedly violated the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants’ Conduct Rules. “While holding a government post, an अधिकारी cannot openly oppose political parties or government policies,” the official said, adding that the PCS officer’s actions were seen as a direct challenge to established service norms.

Sources further pointed out that there is a defined protocol for resignation from government service. An officer is required to submit the resignation directly to the appointing authority, following prescribed procedures.

Administrative Fallout Continues

The developments have triggered widespread discussion within bureaucratic and political circles, highlighting the strict expectations of political neutrality from civil servants and the consequences of deviating from service conduct rules.

The government has maintained that disciplinary action is being taken strictly in accordance with service regulations, and the inquiry will determine further course of action.