{{short description|Indian Forest Service officer (born 21 December 1974)|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox person | name = Sanjiv Chaturvedi | image = | caption = | known_for = {{ubl|Exposing corruption in the [[Haryana]] government and [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences|AIIMS]]|Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve|Conservation Research projects in Uttarakhand}} | alma_mater = [[Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology]]<ref>[http://www.apnemoti.org/bulletin/Issue4-09.pdf Moti News Bulletin], MNNIT Alumni Association, Lucknow Chapter. November 2009.</ref> | education = B. Tech | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1974|12|21|df=y}} | birth_place = | citizenship = | occupation = [[Bureaucrat]] ([[Indian Forest Service]]) | employer = [[Government of India]] | organization = Indian Forest Service | years_active = 2002–present | awards = [[Ramon Magsaysay Award]] (2015)<br/>S. R. Jindal Prize (2011) }}
'''Sanjiv Chaturvedi''' (born 21 December 1974) is an [[Indian Forest Service]] (IFS) officer posted as Chief Conservator of Forest (Research) at [[Haldwani]] in the [[Nainital district]] of [[Uttarakhand]]. Chaturvedi was a Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at AIIMS, New Delhi from 2012 to 2014, and served in the government of [[Haryana]] from 2005 to 2012.<ref name="court case"/><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/aiims-vigilance-officer-sacked-by-modi-government-demands-cbi-probe-579404?pfrom=home-rightnow |title= AIIMS Vigilance Officer Sacked By Modi Government Demands CBI Probe|publisher=NDTV}}</ref>
==Professional life in Brief ==
Sanjiv Chaturvedi graduated as an electrical engineer in 1995 from the [[Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad|Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology]], situated at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He became an [[Indian Forest Service]] (IFS) officer 2002 with [[Haryana]] cadre and later got transferred to Uttarakhand Cadre.<ref name="Outlook_old" /><ref name=":8" />
Chaturvedi was a [[whistleblower]] in the [[Haryana Forestry case]], which occurred under the regime of [[Bhupinder Singh Hooda]] and [[Kiran Chaudhary]]. He was a whistleblower later in larger scams in the health sector during his tenure as chief vigilance officer of [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi|AIIMS]]. Chaturvedi made a number of decisions during his management of the [[Jim Corbett National Park|Corbett Tiger Reserve]], and undertook conservation and research projects in the state of Uttarakhand.
== Career in Haryana == {{anchor|Indian Forest Service in Haryana & Haryana Forestry Scam}}
As an IFS officer in [[Haryana]]. Chaturvedi served there from August 2005 to June 2012 in Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Jhajjar and Hisar, where he publicised corruption in mining, licensing, fake herbal park, fake plantation and instances of illicit felling and poaching in protected areas. Collectively known as the [[Haryana Forestry case]], it involved [[Haryana]] [[Chief minister (India)|chief minister]] [[Bhupinder Singh Hooda]], forest minister [[Kiran Choudhry|Kiran Chaudhary]] and several other senior politicians and officers.<ref name="Outlook_old" /><ref name=":8" />
=== Kurukshetra posting ===
Chaturvedi's first posting was in [[Kurukshetra]], where he registered a [[first information report]] against contractors for large-scale, illicit tree [[felling]] and poaching of [[Indian hog deer|hog deer]] in the nearby [[Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary]]. He was reprimanded by the Principal Secretary (Forests) and transferred to [[Fatehabad, Haryana|Fatehabad]] on 30 May 2007.<ref name="Outlook_old">{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Old-Jungle-Saying/281836|title=Old Jungle Saying|author=Chander Suta Dogra|date=13 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="rediff_punished_2012">[http://www.rediff.com/news/special/in-haryana-you-are-punished-if-you-fight-corruption/20120629.htm In Haryana, you are punished if you fight corruption!]</ref> The contractors were linked with the Hansi-Butana canal project and were associates of the chief minister. In his report, Chaturvedi noted serious violations of the [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]], the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and a number of Supreme Court orders in undertaking construction work inside a wildlife sanctuary without statutory approvals. Although Chaturvedi's actions angered the government, an [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]] later filed a case before the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee; the committee upheld all charges and fined the [[government of Haryana]] {{INR}}1 crore.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/special/in-haryana-you-are-punished-if-you-fight-corruption/20120629.htm|title=In Haryana, you are punished if you fight corruption!|work=Rediff|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/why-is-hooda-afraid-of-the-cbi|title=Why Is Hooda Afraid of the CBI?|website=OPEN Magazine|date=22 February 2012|language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+clean+slate+for+hounded+officer.-a0248366559|title=A clean slate for hounded officer. - Free Online Library|website=www.thefreelibrary.com|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://old.tehelka.com/the-cross-of-courage/|title=The cross of courage|website=old.tehelka.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref>
=== Fatehabad posting ===
In Fatehabad, Chaturvedi found that large amounts of public money were spent on private land to develop an herbal park. The land belonged to local [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] member Prahlad Singh Gillakhera, who became Chief Parliamentary Secretary of Forest after winning the [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] election. Gilakhera was reportedly close to Haryana Forest Minister Kiran Chawdhry. A July 2007 letter from the Haryana [[Indian Forest Service#Principal Chief Conservator of Forests|Principal Chief Conservator of Forests]] to Chaturvedi said that the Forest Minister was "annoyed" because work on the herbal park had been stopped.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />
On 3 August 2007, Haryana Chief Minister Hooda, suspended Chaturvedi without specifying a reason. On 14 September of that year, the government issued a charge sheet to dismiss him from service. The suspension order was revoked on 3 January 2008 by [[President of India|President]] [[Pratibha Patil]], who also censured the Hooda government. The Hooda government did not withdraw the charge sheet against Chaturvedi and forest minister [[Kiran Choudhry]] returned the file for further comments.<ref name="rediff_punished_2012"/> The Hooda government blocked Chaturvedi's promotion by keeping the charge sheet pending for over three years,<ref name="IT_hounded">[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+clean+slate+for+hounded+officer.-a0248366559 A clean slate for hounded officer]</ref> and later had to compensate him and concede in writing that he had been framed.<ref name="rediff_punished_2012" />
Soon after Chaturvedi's suspension, corruption in the herbal park was brought to the Supreme Court by the NGO Ekta Parishad. The Haryana government was required to transfer management of the land to the Haryana Forest Department under section 38 of the Indian Forest Act of 1927.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />
=== Jhajjar posting ===
When his suspension was lifted by the president in January 2008, Chaturvedi was assigned to a non-cadre post. After objections from the [[Central Administrative Tribunal]], he was posted as a divisional forest officer (DFO) in [[Jhajjar]] in January 2009 and exposed a fake-plantation scheme the following month in which a large sum of public money had been embezzled; as a result, 40 forest staffers were charged and 10 were suspended. Chaturvedi suspected that senior officers were involved, and requested an investigation.<ref name="rediff_punished_2012"/>
Subsequently, Chaturvedi started facing harassment in form of bogus cases. In 2012, the Hooda government charged Chaturvedi with neglecting plantation maintenance. The charge was dismissed by the president of India in October 2013, who called it "unsustainable".<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.tehelka.com/whistle-blower-sanjiv-chaturvedi-moves-sc-demanding-cbi-inquiry/|title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi moves SC demanding CBI inquiry}}</ref> After a central-government inquiry, the [[Officer on Special Duty|OSD]] of the Chief Minister of Haryana was found to be involved in the charge.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Role-of-Haryana-CMs-OSD-dubious-Panel/articleshow/7265143.cms|title=Role of Haryana CM's OSD dubious: Panel|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref>
=== Hisar posting ===
The Haryana Chief Minister's Office transferred Chaturvedi to the [[Hisar (city)|Hisar]] division in August 2009, and Chaturvedi exposed another fake-plantation scheme. In January 2010, he sealed a [[plywood]] unit for colluding with senior forest officers to pay just ₹26,000 instead of ₹2,200,000 as a license fee. In May 2010, when Chaturvedi went abroad for 18 days of official training, the Chief Minister's Office declared his post vacant.<ref name="rediff_punished_2012"/> After a month without a job, Chaturvedi was appointed a DFO (Production) in the division.<ref name="Hooda_Afraid">[http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/why-is-hooda-afraid-of-the-cbi Why Is Hooda Afraid of the CBI?]</ref>
=== Harassment by Haryana govt and presidential intervention ===
Chaturvedi reported harassment after exposing corruption. Several false criminal cases were filed against him, including theft of a [[Kachnar]] tree<ref name=":7"/> and abetting a suicide.<ref name="Hooda_Afraid"/> During his tenure as an officer in Haryana, Chaturvedi was transferred 12 times in five years.<ref name="Outlook_old"/><ref name="Outlook_maladies"/>
Alleging harassment by the Haryana state government, Chaturvedi complained to [[President of India|President]] [[Pratibha Patil]] in 2010; Patil referred his case to the Cabinet Secretariat, who directed the [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Ministry of Environment and Forests]] to convene a two-member panel to study the accusations. The inquiry found merit in Chaturvedi's allegations that year and referred the case to the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]], whose preliminary analysis found his allegations worthy of investigation. The ministry then referred the case to the [[Central Vigilance Commission]] (CVC) and recommended a CBI investigation.<ref name="DNA_CBI">{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-cbi-probe-into-haryana-forest-scam-likely-1635395 |title=CBI probe into Haryana forest scam likely |date=9 November 2012 |newspaper = DNA }}</ref>
The president's order censured the Haryana state government for harassing Chaturvedi by blocking his promotion and transferring him.<ref name="IT_hounded"/> This was based on the panel report, which reprimanded minister Kiran Choudhry; the Chief Minister's Officer on Special Duty, R. R. Beri, and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Prahalad Singh Gillakhera,.<ref name=":8">[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/haryana-forest-scams-cbi-lens-on-bhupinder-singh-hooda-89214-2012-01-10 Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda may face CBI heat over forest scams]</ref> The Hooda government rejected the ministry's findings and asked it to re-examine the case, a request which was denied.<ref name="DNA_CBI"/>
In March 2013, the Hooda government accused Chaturvedi of inefficiency and recommended his dismissal. In October 2013, the President [[Pranab Mukherjee]] dismissed the charge in October of that year, censuring the government of Haryana.<ref name=":9">{{cite news|last=Chauhan |first=Chetan | date=4 October 2013 |title=Prez quashes charge-sheet against Hry IFS officer |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/prez-quashes-charge-sheet-against-hry-ifs-officer/story-APzJAJYubO20Mg94yzdwEN.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914235926/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/prez-quashes-charge-sheet-against-hry-ifs-officer/story-APzJAJYubO20Mg94yzdwEN.html |archive-date=14 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Hooda government then attempted to downgrade Chaturvedi's appraisal report, which was reversed by the president.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140202/main3.htm President reverses Haryana decision on IFS officer’s ACR]</ref> Between 2008 and 2014, the president issued four orders supporting Chaturvedi and reversing the Hooda government.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Presidential order backs whistleblower |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=2 February 2014 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/presidential-order-backs-whistleblower/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403210524/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/presidential-order-backs-whistleblower/ |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Obstruction by Haryana govt against cadre relocation ==== {{anchor|Relieving From Haryana}}
In May 2012, Chaturvedi was selected by the central government as a deputy secretary at [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]] (AIIMS) under the Union Health Ministry. Haryana's Hooda government refused to release him, however, despite repeated requests from the central government's health ministry and the [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Ministry of Environment and Forests]] (MoEF). The latter released Chaturvedi on 29 June 2012, despite the Hooda government's objection.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/centre-brushes-aside-haryana-s-objections-to-ifs-officer-s-central-deputation/story-uISKza23h0lJHcKS8VRQ5J.html|title=Centre brushes aside Haryana's objections to IFS officer's central deputation|date=2012-09-19|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=2018-10-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.governancenow.com/gov-now/bureaucracy/whistleblower-ifs-officer-finally-gets-centre-s-support|title=Whistleblower IFS officer finally gets centre's support|date=2012-07-02|work=Governance Now|access-date=2018-10-11|language=en}}</ref>
==== Supreme Court case ==== {{anchor|Supreme Court Case}}
Based on the CVC and CBI reports, the central government asked the Haryana government to issue a notification of the CBI investigation in March 2012; the state government refused to issue the notification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-asks-Haryana-to-get-forestry-scam-probed-by-CBI/articleshow/12140420.cms|title=Centre asks Haryana to get forestry scam probed by CBI|work=[[Times of India]]|date=5 March 2012|author=Nitin Sethi|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> Chaturvedi petitioned the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] for a CBI investigation, and notices were issued to the central government, the CBI and the Haryana government in November 2012. In an October 2014 Supreme Court affidavit, the CBI expressed its willingness to investigate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ready-to-probe-Haryana-forest-scams-CBI-to-SC/articleshow/44864240.cms|title=Ready to probe Haryana forest scams: CBI to SC|work=Times of India|date=18 October 2014|author=Sukhbir Siwach|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> In April of that year, the Haryana [[Bhupinder Singh Hooda]] petitioned the central government in the [[Punjab and Haryana High Court]] to rescind its orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Haryana-whistleblower-case-Its-Congress-vs-Congress-in-court/articleshow/31816306.cms|title=Haryana whistleblower case: It's Congress vs Congress in court|work=Times of India|date=11 March 2014|author=Ajay Sura|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> In April 2017, the investigation had not begun.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/126935/corruption-haryana-government-sanjiv-chaturvedi/|title=Six Years On, Corruption Case Against Haryana Government Still Waiting to be Heard|work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]|date=21 April 2017|author=Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref>
The high court fined Chaturvedi {{INR}}50,000 in February 2018 (saying that he had not filed a reply to the petition), but it was set aside by a Supreme Court bench headed by [[Chief Justice of India|Chief Justice Deepak Misra]] on 19 February.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livelaw.in/haryana-forestry-scam-whistleblower-ifs-officer-gets-relief-sc-read-order/|title=Haryana Forestry Scam: Whistleblower IFS Officer Gets Relief From SC [Read Order]|date=2018-02-22|work=Live Law|access-date=2018-05-05|language=en-US}}</ref> The central government stated in an affidavit to the high court that month that when [[All India Services]] officers work in state governments, their discipline remains with the central government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/centre-can-interfere-in-state-s-cases-against-ias-ifs-officers-court-told-118030500153_1.html|title=Govt can interfere in state disciplinary cases against IAS, IFS officers|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2018-03-05|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-05-05}}</ref> The high court dismissed Haryana's challenge to the central-government inquiry panel in August 2019 because, according to Article 131 of the [[Constitution of India]], a dispute between the central government and a state must be heard by the Supreme Court; the Haryana case was similar to Chaturvedi's 2012 Supreme Court case.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/hc-refuses-to-hear-haryana-govts-plea-to-quash-report-that-indicted-officials-leaders-for-harassing-sanjiv-chaturvedi/articleshow/70893724.cms|title=HC refuses to hear Haryana govt's plea to quash report that indicted officials, leaders for harassing Sanjiv Chaturvedi|date=29 August 2019|first=Ajay|last=Sura|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/petition-against-centres-report-sanjiv-chaturvedi-147606|title=P&H HC Rejects Haryana Govt's Plea To Quash Report That Indicted Officials For Harassing Whistleblower Officer|last=Jain|first=Akanksha|date=2019-08-30|website=www.live law.in|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/aug/29/hc-refuses-to-hear-haryana-governments-plea-to-quash-central-report-on-whistle-blower-ifs-officer-2026174.html|title=HC refuses to hear Haryana government's plea to quash Central report on whistle-blower IFS officer|website=The New Indian Express|date=29 August 2019 |access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref>
In June 2018, an official in the secretariat of Haryana's Forest Branch filed a police complaint against the chief minister because documents related to Chaturvedi's case were removed and returned by the chief minister's office. The Haryana government transferred the secretariat official who had filed the complaint.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/government/forest-officer-who-filed-fir-against-haryana-cm-khattars-office-transferred|title=Officer Who Filed FIR Against Haryana CM Khattar Transferred|website=The Wire|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/missing-cmo-file-haryana-government-approaches-police/articleshow/64564909.cms|title=Missing CMO file: Haryana government approaches police|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref> Chaturvedi threatened to petition the high court if no action was taken against those responsible for the disappearance of the documents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/missing-files-chaturvedi-to-move-hc-for-cbi-probe/articleshow/64578564.cms|title=Missing files: Sanjiv Chaturvedi to move HC for CBI probe|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref> It was later reported that despite the Haryana [[Advocate general (India)|advocate general's]] opinion that Chaturvedi's high-court case should be withdrawn, the state maintained it for over two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tatkalnews.com/news/168136-haryana-bjp-govt-fighting-chaturvedi-in-court-despite-ag-office%E2%80%99s-no.aspx|title=Haryana BJP govt fighting Chaturvedi in court despite AG office's no|website=www.tatkalnews.com|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref>
==== Sanjeev Tomar death case ====
Sanjeev Tomar, a Haryana forest-range officer, was found dead in December 2009 after the initiation of anti-corruption proceedings against him by Sanjiv Chaturvedi. His father, Rampal Singh Tomar, initially told police that his son had died of natural causes. He later changed his statement, saying that Sanjeev had committed suicide because of harassment by Chaturvedi and a subsequent suspension.<ref name="Hindu_2012_hounded">{{cite web |title=Where whistleblowers are hounded out |author=Chander Suta Dogra |date=17 November 2012 |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/where-whistleblowers-are-hounded-out/article4102542.ece |df=dmy}}</ref> According to the Jhajjar [[Superintendent of police (India)|superintendent of police]], Chaturvedi had nothing to do with Tomar's suicide; he was disturbed by corruption and dowry cases against him.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Case-against-Sanjiv-Chaturvedi-SIT-to-probe-forest-officers-death/articleshow/46211317.cms |title=Case against Sanjiv Chaturvedi: SIT to probe forest officer's death |date=12 February 2015 |newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref> A number of special investigation teams (SIT) cleared Chaturvedi. According to the SIT reports, Tomar committed suicide because of an anti-corruption inquiry and litigation by his wife; he had been living with another woman.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Forest official's death: HC recalls SIT order against Sanjeev Chaturvedi, others |date=30 April 2015 |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/forest-official-s-death-hc-recalls-sit-order-against-sanjeev-chaturvedi-others/article1-1342714.aspx |archive-date=2 May 2015 |access-date=2 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502214524/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/forest-official-s-death-hc-recalls-sit-order-against-sanjeev-chaturvedi-others/article1-1342714.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In February 2015, the Punjab and Haryana High Court recommended a new SIT to probe allegations that Tomar committed suicide due to harassment by Chaturvedi; this was based on a petition filed by Rampal Singh Tomar. Chaturvedi challenged the order to form an SIT.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://phhc.gov.in/enq_caseno.php?var1=RA-CW&var2=75&var3=2015 |title=Case Details |publisher=High Court of Punjab and Haryana |location=Chandigarh }}</ref> His counsel argued that the case had already been investigated by four SITs and reviewed by senior police officers, who found no evidence of harassment. He stated that forming a new SIT would hound an officer who had exposed several scams. The court accepted the petition in April 2015, recalled its order, and dismissed Rampal Singh Tomar's petition.<ref name="Hindu_2012_hounded"/>
==== Intelligence Bureau report ==== {{anchor|Intelligence Bureau Report}}
The [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB) prepared a report about alleged threats and harassment to Chaturvedi. When he sought a copy of the report under the [[Right to Information Act, 2005|RTI Act]], the bureau denied it on the grounds that it was an exempt organization under section 24 of the act.<ref>[http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/give-sanjiv-chaturvedi-copy-of-ib-report-rules-cic-2764597 Give Sanjiv Chaturvedi copy of IB report, rules CIC]</ref> The [[Central Information Commission|CIC]] decision was challenged by the Intelligence Bureau in June 2016 in the [[Delhi High Court]], which had granted a stay and issued notices to Chaturvedi. The hearing was concluded in May 2017, and the judgment was issued in August 2017. The Delhi High Court upheld the CIC orders and dismissed the Intelligence Bureau's petition, paving way for Chaturvedi to access the IB report. The court ruled that under the RTI Act, corruption and human-rights violation are not exempt from disclosure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/171687/whistleblower-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-report/|title=HC Upholds Whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi's Right to Access IB Report Exonerating Him|author=Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar|date=28 August 2017|work=The Wire|access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ib-files-on-graft-can-be-disclosed-under-rti-hc/articleshow/60240234.cms|title=IB files on graft can be disclosed under RTI: HC|work=Times of India|date=27 August 2017|author=Abhinav Garg|access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref>
== Career in Delhi ==
=== AIIMS Delhi === {{anchor|AIIMS (Delhi) Scam whistle-blower case}}
On 29 June 2012, Chaturvedi was made deputy secretary and chief vigilance officer of [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]]. As a CVO, Chaturvedi's cases included counterfeit drugs; financial irregularities in construction projects; corruption in recruitment purchase of medical equipment, doctors making unauthorized foreign trips, contracts with security companies, single-bid tendering, computerization purchases, pension-fund corruption and sexual harassment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/3-sacked-in-AIIMS-pension-fund-scam/articleshow/18961762.cms|title=3 sacked in AIIMS pension fund scam |work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/aiims-records-fudged-to-pay-ghost-staffers-cbi/|title=AIIMS records fudged to pay ghost staffers: CBI|date=2013-09-22|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-09-01|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ignoring-modi-mantra-health-minister-gives-crusading-aiims-vigilance-chief-the-boot-114082100062_1.html|title=Ignoring Modi mantra, Health Minister gives crusading AIIMS vigilance chief the boot|last=Sethi|first=Nitin|date=2014-08-21|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/how-drug-whistle-blowers-in-india-have-to-fight-a-long-battle/articleshow/52334944.cms|title=How drug whistle-blowers in India have to fight a long battle|last=RAJAGOPAL|first=DIVYA|date=2016-05-19|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Scam-buster-loses-AIIMS-post/articleshow/40528667.cms|title=Scam-buster loses AIIMS post |work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref> During his tenure, police seized banned drugs worth {{INR}}60 million from a vehicle delivering to an on-campus pharmacy owned by an [[Indian National Congress]] MLA. Health minister [[Ghulam Nabi Azad]] signed two internal reports which called Chaturvedi's CVO work "outstanding".<ref name="Outlook_maladies">{{cite magazine|title=The Inquisitor Of Maladies |first1=Uttam |last1=Sengupta |first2=Pavithra S. |last2=Rangan |date=15 September 2014 |magazine=Outlook The Magazine |location=India |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/The-Inquisitor-Of-Maladies/291866 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312133452/http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-inquisitor-of-maladies/291866 |archive-date=12 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Chaturvedi began about 200 corruption cases as AIIMS CVO; sanctions were imposed in 78 cases, charges were brought in 87, and over 20 were referred to the CBI for criminal investigation. They included cases against senior IAS officer Vineet Chawdhry of the Himachal Pradesh cadre (a previous deputy), Director (Administration) and former deputy director (Administration) Shailesh Yadav, a senior IPS officer, senior faculty members, former Registrar V. P. Gupta and former Chief Administrative Officer Attar Singh.<ref>[http://thewire.in/3928/nadda-protecting-the-corrupt-aiims-whistleblower-tells-tribunal/ Nadda 'Protecting the Corrupt', AIIMS Whistleblower Tells Tribunal]</ref><ref name="Outlook_maladies" /><ref name=":0" />
As a result of Chaturvedi's investigations, the CBI registered cases and recommended action against Vineet Chawdhry. According to a June 2017 ''India Today'' investigative report, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda was found to have suppressed an investigation of what the report called a ₹7,000 crore scam. The ''India Today'' reports included reports from the CBI and a parliamentary committee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jp-nadda-clean-chit-in-aiims-rs-7000-crore-scam-983691-2017-06-20|title=Ailing AIIMS: Health Ministry's clean chit puts probe into Rs 7000 crore scam in jeopardy|website=India Today|date=20 June 2017 |language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref> Opposition parties accused Nadda of links to senior IAS officer Vineet Chawdhry, with whom he had worked in Himachal Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/what-s-link-between-nadda-and-aiims-scam-accused-officer-aap-117062100751_1.html|title=What's link between Nadda and AIIMS scam accused officer: AAP|last=IANS|date=2017-06-21|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref>
The CBI found in October 2015 that AIIMS director M. C. Mishra and other school officials were involved in corruption in the purchase of medical items, and recommended action against them to the health ministry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/aiims-head-accused-of-irregular-purchase-of-medical-supplies-303312-2016-01-12|title=AIIMS head accused of irregular purchase of medical supplies|website=India Today|date=12 January 2016 |language=en|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cbi-gives-long-rope-to-indicted-aiims-director-mc-misra-by-referring-matter-to-ministry/articleshow/50540395.cms|title=CBI gives long rope to indicted AIIMS Director MC Misra by referring matter to ministry|last=Ohri|first=Raghav|date=2016|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref> The bureau presented a January 2018 forgery case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against AIIMS officials as a result of Chaturvedi's May 2014 report.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/aiims-surgery-dept-fraud-cbi-files-case/articleshow/62515149.cms|title=AIIMS surgery department 'fraud': CBI files case|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref> In September 2013, the CBI laid a criminal case concerning fraudulent payments and financial irregularities in allocating a security contract.<ref name=":1" /> It was found later that Chaturvedi's corruption cases involving senior IAS and IPS officers and the AIIMS' director and senior officials were hushed up after his removal by Nadda's health ministry.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-ministers-whitewash/294530|title=The Minister's Whitewash|work=www.outlookindia.com/|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/whistleblower-ifs-officer-gets-marching-orders-in-delhi/article6337128.ece|title=Whistleblower IFS officer gets marching orders in Delhi|last=Perappadan|first=Bindu Shajan|date=2014-08-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-09-01|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In August 2014, Chaturvedi was relieved as CVO.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sify.com/finance/vardhan-transfers-aiims-exemplary-vigilance-chief-news-default-oivcJLfjhgcdj.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819084523/http://www.sify.com/finance/vardhan-transfers-aiims-exemplary-vigilance-chief-news-default-oivcJLfjhgcdj.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=19 August 2016 | title=Vardhan transfers AIIMS exemplary vigilance officer | date=21 August 2014 | author=Nitin Sethi }}</ref> He wrote in a 16 August letter to incoming health minister [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]] of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) that his removal was the result of a campaign by corrupt officials. Chaturvedi was supported by AIIMS staff (who wrote to the prime minister requesting his reinstatement) and the [[Aam Aadmi Party]] (AAP), who staged demonstrations. The media and the AAP alleged that the BJP's Nadda removed Chaturvedi on behalf of Vineet Chaudhary, an IAS officer from [[Himachal Pradesh]]. Chaturvedi had accused Chaudhary of bending rules to extend tenure to an engineer supervising works worth {{INR}}3,700 crore. Nadda had reportedly proposed removing Chaturvedi in a letter which received 20 signatures within 24 hours.<ref name="DNA_2014_report" /> Chaturvedi had accused two security-contractor firms of serious violations, one of which was owned by the BJP's [[Rajya Sabha]] MP R. K. Sinha.<ref name="Outlook_maladies" /><ref>{{citation |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/delhi/arvind-kejriwal-slams-centre-over-removal-of-sanjiv-chaturvedi-as-aiims-cvo_956481.html|title=Arvind Kejriwal slams Centre over removal of Sanjiv Chaturvedi as AIIMS CVO|date= 22 August 2014|publisher=Zee Media}}</ref>
[[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Health and family welfare minister]] [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]] said that Chaturvedi was removed because he was ineligible for the CVO post, and the government decision had no ''[[Bad faith|male fides]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title="No malafide in Chaturvedi job role reprofiling": Dr Harsh Vardhan |date=24 September 2014 |publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=109962 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815190622/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=109962 |archive-date=15 August 2016 |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/harsh-vardhan-sanjiv-chaturvedi-not-eligible-for-aiims-cvo-post-205075-2014-08-21 |title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi not eligible for AIIMS CVO post: Harsh Vardhan |date=21 August 2014 |magazine=India Today }}</ref> However, the media reported that Nadda had written several letters advocating Chaturvedi's removal and demanded a halt to his corruption cases; a meeting between Nadda and Vardhan for that purpose was documented. Nadda reportedly wrote four letters between May 2013 and June 2014 requesting Chaturvedi's removal, which occurred after a change of government.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/aiims-whistle-blower-removed-at-bjp-leader-nadda-s-behest-114092400043_1.html AIIMS whistle-blower removed at BJP leader Nadda's behest]</ref><ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/nadda-wanted-corruption-inquiries-to-be-put-on-hold/story-wbHCuvlmWn8zo2Izor1e2M.html Nadda wanted corruption inquiries to be put on hold]</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/aiims-whistle-blower-removed-at-bjp-leader-nadda-s-behest-114092400043_1.html|title=AIIMS whistle-blower removed at BJP leader Nadda's behest|last=Sethi|first=Nitin|date=2014-09-24|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-09-01}}</ref>
Media reports exposed records related to earlier attempts to remove Chaturvedi, despite a May 2014 report from the Union Health Secretary and the Health Ministry CVO that his performance was "exemplary" and his integrity "absolute". After intervention by a parliamentary committee, the prime minister's office directed the cabinet secretary to monitor and report further efforts to remove him.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />
After Chaturvedi's removal, prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] asked Vardhan for a report. Health secretary Lov Verma said that AIIMS did not have an independent CVO, and Chaturvedi had been given additional responsibilities as an "internal arrangement." ''[[Zee News|DNA]]'' reported that facts about Chaturvedi's appointment and removal were omitted from Verma's report, and he was made CVO by an AIIMS order.<ref name="DNA_2014_report">{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-all-facts-on-aiims-cvo-not-submitted-to-pm-narendra-modi-2024553 |title=All facts on AIIMS CVO not submitted to PM Narendra Modi |date=9 October 2014 |publisher=DNA }}</ref>
After Nadda became health minister in November 2014, his ministry attempted to revise Chaturvedi's appraisal report until Nadda was stopped the following June by the Central Administrative Tribunal<ref>[http://thewire.in/4121/tribunal-restricts-nadda-from-rewriting-whistleblower-chaturvedis-appraisal Tribunal Restrains Nadda From Rewriting Whistleblower Chaturvedi’s Appraisal]</ref> following a petition by Chaturvedi to promote him to director (selection grade) as scheduled; he was promoted retroactively, from 1 January.<ref name="court case">{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/after-court-case-whistleblower-and-magsaysay-awardee-ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedi-gets-promotion/ |title=After court case, whistleblower and Magsaysay awardee IFS Sanjiv Chaturvedi gets promotion |date=24 August 2015 |newspaper=Indian Express }}</ref> In August 2015, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare accused the health ministry of ignoring AIIMS corruption and criticised the replacement of a dedicated CVO post with a ministry CVO.<ref>[http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/health-ministry-not-serious-about-tackling-corruption-cases-in-aiims-house-panel Health Ministry not serious about tackling corruption cases in AIIMS: House panel]</ref> That month, Chaturvedi said that he was disappointed with the Modi government for not acting on the corruption cases.<ref>[http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/zero-tolerance-for-honesty-in-this-govt/295028 'Zero Tolerance For Honesty In This Govt']</ref>
By December 2015, Chaturvedi was still employed at AIIMS but his assigned tasks had been removed by the central government without explanation.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Raghav |last=Ohri | title=Whistle blower IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi rendered jobless | date=15 December 2015 |newspaper=The Economic Times |location=India |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/whistleblower-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-rendered-jobless/articleshow/50179725.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218170654/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/whistleblower-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-rendered-jobless/articleshow/50179725.cms |archive-date=18 December 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following July, Chaturvedi filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court that the ministry had taken no action on his AIIMS corruption cases.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Centre sitting on graft cases at AIIMS: Ex-CVO |date=21 July 2016 |newspaper=The Asian Age |url=http://www.asianage.com/delhi/centre-sitting-graft-cases-aiims-ex-cvo-908 }}</ref> After being stripped of his duties during the 2015–2016 fiscal year (a move that challenged in the Supreme Court), Chaturvedi received an "unsatisfactory" performance evaluation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Siwach |first=Sukhbir |date=14 February 2017 |title=Centre's rating for Magsaysay award winning IFS officer: 'zero' |newspaper=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/centres-rating-for-magsaysay-award-winning-ifs-officer-zero-4523687/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214010657/http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/centres-rating-for-magsaysay-award-winning-ifs-officer-zero-4523687/ |archive-date=14 February 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref>
=== AIIMS support === {{anchor|Support of AIIMS, faculty members, students and staff}}
After Chaturvedi was removed, AIIMS faculty members circulated a petition to bring him back; about 250 faculty members and researchers wrote to Prime Minister Modi to reinstate him as CVO and conduct an inquiry into his removal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aiims-faculty-comes-out-in-support-of-excvo/article6387971.ece|title=AIIMS faculty comes out in support of ex-CVO|last=Perappadan|first=Bindu Shajan|date=2014-09-07|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/aiims-faculty-demands-enquiry-into-chaturvedis-removal/articleshow/41939996.cms|title=AIIMS faculty demands enquiry into Chaturvedi's removal|date=2014-09-07|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref> Chaturvedi also received support from the AIIMS student union and employees.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-aiims-students-union-want-sanjiv-chaturvedi-back-as-cvo-write-to-pm-narendra-modi-2014186|title=AIIMS Students' Union want Sanjiv Chaturvedi back as CVO, write to PM Narendra Modi|date=2014-08-27|work=dna|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/aiims-staff-come-support-sanjiv-chaturvedi-write-to-pm-modi-1553409.html|title=AIIMS staff come in support of Sanjiv Chaturvedi, write to PM Modi for reinstating former CVO|work=www.oneindia.com|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en}}</ref>
=== Public interest litigation ===
In February 2015, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the central government and Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda in response to [[Public interest litigation in India|public interest litigation]] (PIL) filed by [[Prashant Bhushan]] demanding a CBI investigation of pending corruption cases and Chaturvedi's removal as CVO.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/high-court-notice-to-nadda-over-corruption-in-aiims-115022501363_1.html | title=High court notice to Nadda over corruption in AIIMS | date=26 February 2015 | author=Nitin Sethi }}</ref> The court had sought a status report from the CBI on corruption exposed by Chaturvedi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/File-status-report-on-AIIMS-related-graft-cases-HC-to-CBI/articleshow/54584712.cms|title = AIIMS: File status report on AIIMS related graft cases: HC to CBI | Delhi News - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]| date=29 September 2016 }}</ref> In April 2018, the court issued notices to the central government seeking their reply on the improper closure of corruption cases by the health ministry (headed by Nadda) during the PIL.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livelaw.in/delhi-hc-notice-centre-allegation-unduly-closing-cases-enormous-corruption-aiims-sans-pms-approval-read-application/|title=Delhi HC Notice To Centre On Allegation Of Unduly Closing Cases Of Enormous Corruption At AIIMS Sans PM's Approval [Read Application]|date=2018-04-09|work=Live Law|access-date=2018-05-05|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Conflict with central vigilance commissioner === {{anchor|Conflict with Central Vigilance Commissioner}}
Chaturvedi wrote to the president in July 2017 requesting a suspension and Supreme Court inquiry of [[Central Vigilance Commission]]er K. V. Chaudhary under Section 6 of the CVC Act, 2003, citing CBI reports recommending action against AIIMS officials and faculty members on corruption charges which were summarily closed by Chaudhary. Chaturvedi further alleged that the CVC did not exercise his disciplinary authority in closing the cases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/196895/cvc-protecting-corrupt-officers-aiims-says-whistleblower-urges-president-order-probe/|title=CVC 'Protecting Corrupt Officers' in AIIMS, Says Whistleblower, Urges President to Order Probe |last=Bhatnagar|first=Gaurav Vivek|website=thewire.in|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/whistleblower-chaturvedi-writes-to-prez-seeking-action-against-cvc/articleshow/61772454.cms|title=Whistleblower Chaturvedi writes to President seeking action against CVC |work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cvc-closed-graft-cases-in-aiims-claims-whistleblower/articleshow/61739145.cms|title=CVC closed graft cases in AIIMS, claims whistleblower|date=2017-11-21|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref> In response to Chaturvedi's [[Right to Information Act, 2005|RTI application]] about action taken on his complaint to the president about the CVC, the central government's Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) said that there were no guidelines to deal with such complaints.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amid-cbi-controversy-government-starts-framing-guidelines-to-handle-complaints-against-cvc/articleshow/66428597.cms|title=Amid CBI controversy, government starts framing guidelines to handle complaints against CVC|date=2018-10-30|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/no-guidelines-in-place-to-handle-complaints-against-vigilance-body-head-centre-in-rti-reply-1940084|title=No Guidelines To Handle Complaints Against Vigilance Body Head: Centre|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref>
In January 2019, the central government said that guidelines to handle such complaints were being framed and complaint will be processed only after guidelines are framed. This was criticized by the opposition Congress Party, which charged the central government with hiding behind technicalities to justify its inaction against Chaudhary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/%22government%22/citing-absence-of-guidelines-govt-says-cannot-act-on-complaints-against-cvc|title=Citing Absence of Guidelines, Govt Says Cannot Act on Complaints Against CVC|website=The Wire|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/congress-questions-govt-inaction-on-complaints-against-cvc-2018471.html|title=Congress Questions Govt 'Inaction' on Complaints Against CVC|website=News18|date=29 January 2019|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>
=== Zero appraisal === {{anchor|Zero appraisal report}}
Chaturvedi received a zero grading in his annual performance report (APAR) for the 2015-16 fiscal year (the year he received the [[Ramon Magsaysay Award]]) from Nadda and his subordinates. His previous appraisals had been outstanding, and in 2014 the health secretary rated his performance as exemplary.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/centres-appraisal-rating-for-magsaysay-award-winning-civil-servant-zero-sanjiv-chaturvedi-4525448/|title=Centre's appraisal rating for Magsaysay award-winning civil servant: 'zero'|work=Indian Express|date=15 February 2017|author=Sukhbir Siwach|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The central government had deprived him of work after his petition was accepted by the Supreme Court in September 2016.<ref name="indianexpress.com"/> A March 2017 Intelligence Bureau report called Chaturvedi a "diligent officer".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/punjab-centres-rating-for-magsaysay-award-winner-zero-ib-says-diligent-officer-4594621/|title=Punjab: Centre's rating for Magsaysay award winner 'zero', IB says 'diligent officer'|work=[[The Indian Express]]|author=Sukhbir Siwach|date=1 April 2017|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> Within four months of Chaturvedi's zero rating, Uttarakhand's BJP government rated him outstanding for the 2016-17 fiscal year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rated-zero-by-centre-forest-officer-outstanding-in-state-4692347/|title=Rated 'zero' by Centre, forest officer 'outstanding' in state|author=Kavita Upadhyay|date=7 June 2017|work=Indian Express|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> When Chaturvedi appealed his zero rating to the [[Uttarakhand High Court]] in June 2017, the court (led by Chief Justice K. M. Joseph) sent the case to a [[Tribunals in India|tribunal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-to-approach-cat-after-hc-relegates-petition/articleshow/59414073.cms|title=IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi to approach CAT after HC relegates petition|work=Times of India|date=2 July 2017|author=Yogesh Kumar|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The court's order was criticized by the legal fraternity, since it had previously heard service-related cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-relegating-chaturvedis-plea-a-puzzling-decision-say-lawyers/articleshow/59429731.cms|title=HC relegating Chaturvedi's plea a 'puzzling decision', say lawyers|date=3 July 2017|work=Times of India|author=Vineet Upadhyay|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/155444/sanjiv-chaturvedi-whistleblower-officer-plea-against-health-minister-jp-nadda/|title=Setback for Whistleblower Officer as Uttarakhand HC Refuses His Plea Against Health Minister|work=The Wire|date=7 July 2017|author=Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The Nainital Central Administrative Tribunal rejected the [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary's]] request to remove his name from the case related to Chaturvedi's zero appraisal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cat-rejects-plea-to-remove-cabinet-secretary-as-party-in-case-filed-by-sanjiv-chaturvedi/articleshow/63826767.cms|title=CAT rejects plea to remove cabinet secretary as party in case filed by Sanjiv Chaturvedi|date=2018-04-19|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-05-05}}</ref>
The Uttarakhand High Court called the central government's attitude towards Chaturvedi "vindictive" in August 2018, and imposed {{INR}}25,000 in court costs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-quashes-vindictive-cat-order-on-chaturvedi-case-fines-centre-rs-25000/articleshow/65493497.cms|title=HC quashes 'vindictive' CAT order on Chaturvedi case, fines Centre Rs 25,000|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livelaw.in/ukhand-hc-finds-centre-vindictive-towards-whistleblower-ifs-officer-imposes-cost-of-rs-25k-sets-aside-cat-stay/|title=U'khand HC Finds Centre Vindictive Towards Whistleblower IFS Officer, Imposes Cost Of Rs 25K, Sets Aside CAT Stay|date=2018-08-24|work=Live Law|access-date=2018-08-29|language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2019, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Uttarakhand High Court's judgment and fined AIIMS {{INR}}25,000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/centre-was-vindictive-towards-magsaysay-award-winner-sanjiv-chaturvedi-sc-119020601660_1.html|title=Centre was vindictive towards Magsaysay award winner Sanjiv Chaturvedi: SC|last=Sethi|first=Nitin|date=2019-02-06|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/government/supreme-court-cat-chairman-sanjiv-chaturvedi|title=In Win for Whistleblower, SC Reminds CAT Chairman He Is Just One Among Equals|website=The Wire|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>
In May, 2025, Central Administrative Tribunal, Nainital Circuit Bench, issued contempt notices to Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, along with Union Health Secretary and Secretary of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on application moved by Chaturvedi in his Zero Appraisal case, on account of their failure to provide him certain documents regarding closure of anti-corruption investigations initiated by him as CVO, AIIMS.<ref>{{cite web | title=CAT bench issues contempt notice to cabinet secretary in Sanjiv Chaturvedi case | work=The Times of India | date=25 May 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/cat-bench-issues-contempt-notice-to-cabinet-secretary-in-sanjiv-chaturvedi-case/articleshow/121394105.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Uttarakhand CAT bench issues contempt notices to Cabinet Secretary, two top officials in Sanjiv Chaturvedi case | date=25 May 2025 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/25/uttarakhand-cat-bench-issues-contempt-notices-to-cabinet-secretary-two-top-officials-in-sanjiv-chaturvedi-case }}</ref>
In August, 2025, Cabinet Secretary along with Health Secretary, move a Petition before Nainital High Court for stay of contempt proceedings initiated by Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Application of Chaturvedi.<ref>{{cite web | title=Union cabinet secy challenges 7-year-old CAT orders, contempt notices in IFS officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi case | work=The Times of India | date=3 August 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/union-cabinet-secy-challenges-7-year-old-cat-orders-contempt-notices-in-ifs-officer-sanjeev-chaturvedi-case/articleshow/123077553.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Union cabinet secretary challenges seven-year-old CAT order in IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi case | date=3 August 2025 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Aug/03/union-cabinet-secretary-challenges-seven-year-old-cat-order-in-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-case }}</ref>
In September, 2025, Chaturvedi filed a perjury petition against cabinet Secretary alleging, filing of false affidavit by him in Nainital High Court and also sought permission of Court to initiate defamation proceedings against Cabinet Secretary for using disparaging remarks against him in affidavit filed before High Court.<ref>{{cite web | title=IFS officer seeks perjury against cabinet secretary for filing false affidavit before HC | work=The Times of India | date=6 September 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ifs-officer-seeks-perjury-against-cabinetsecy-for-filing-false-affidavit-before-hc/articleshow/123734799.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=IFS officer in Uttarakhand sues Cabinet Secretary over false affidavit, alleges defamation | date=5 September 2025 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Sep/05/ifs-officer-in-uttarakhand-sues-cabinet-secretary-over-false-affidavit-alleges-defamation }}</ref>
=== Judgements and PMNRF donation === {{anchor|Cost on central government and donation to PMNRF.}}
In June 2019, the High Court of Uttarakhand issued contempt notices for non-payment of judgements to the Union Health Secretary and AIIMS director.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/after-u-khand-hc-contempt-notice-centre-pays-compensation-to-ifs-officer-119081100393_1.html|title=After U'khand HC contempt notice, Centre pays compensation to IFS officer|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2019-08-11|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-uttarakhand-high-court-issues-contempt-notices-to-centre-aiims-delhi-531694|title=Uttarakhand High Court issues contempt notices to Centre, AIIMS Delhi|last=Bhardwaj|first=Animesh|date=2019-07-01|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref> The central government paid Chaturvedi the following month,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/after-hc-contempt-notice-centre-pays-cost-to-whistleblower-officer-sanjay-chaturvedi-147127|title=After HC Contempt Notice, Centre Pays Cost To Whistleblower Officer Sanjay Chaturvedi|last=jain|first=akanksha|date=2019-08-12|website=www.livelaw.in|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/india/center-paid-compensation-to-sanjeev-chaturvedi-after-contempt-notice-of-high-court-2083684|title=हाईकोर्ट के अवमानना नोटिस के बाद केंद्र ने IFS संजीव चतुर्वेदी को किया मुआवजे का भुगतान|website=NDTVIndia|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/centre-finally-pays-rs-25k-to-chaturvedi/articleshow/70594199.cms|title=Centre finally pays Rs 25k to Chaturvedi|date=9 August 2019|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref> and in August, he donated it to the [[Prime Minister's National Relief Fund]] (PMNRF). In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chaturvedi expressed surprise that public funds could be used for vindictive litigation and asked Modi to create a fund for other honest officers facing harassment and retaliation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sanjiv-chaturvedi-gives-cash-and-advice/cid/1705230|title=Vindicated, officer gives cash and advice|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/sep/15/ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-donates-compensation-money-received-from-centre-to-pms-fund-2034080.html|title=IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi donates compensation money received from Centre to PM's National Relief Fund|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 September 2019 |access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tkbsen.in/2019/09/ifs-officer-donates-compensation-money-received-from-centre-to-pm-national-relief-fund/|title=IFS officer donates compensation money received from Centre to PM National Relief Fund|date=2019-09-15|website=The Sen Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref>
=== Judicial recusals === {{anchor|Recusal by judges}}
As per report published in ‘Times of India’ in February 2025, with recusal of two new CAT judges, number of judges so far having recused from hearing cases of Chaturvedi, had touched to 13. This is being termed, probably highest number of judicial recusals in case of a single officer. As per the report, the list involves judges from Supreme Court, Nainital High Court, Central Administrative Tribunal and even lower courts.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-22 |title=Whistleblower's case: 2 more judges refuse to hear matter, recusal tally hits 13 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/whistleblowers-case-2-more-judges-refuse-to-hear-matter-recusal-tally-hits-13/articleshow/118461892.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-22 |title='Unprecedented': Another set of judges refuse to hear whistleblower Chaturvedi's case, 13th such recusal |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/unprecedented-another-set-of-judges-refuse-to-hear-whistleblower-chaturvedis-case-13th-such-recusal/articleshow/118461074.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi's Cases Face 13th Judicial Recusal |url=https://thewire.in/law/whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedis-cases-face-13th-judicial-recusal |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref> Supreme Court justices [[Ranjan Gogoi]] and U. U. Lalit recused themselves from the Haryana Forestry case, and a Shimla Court judge recused himself in April 2018 from a criminal defamation case filed against Chaturvedi by Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Vineet Chawdhary. Central Administrative Tribunal chair L. Narasimha Reddy recused himself from all of Chaturvedi's cases in a 29 March 2019 order, citing "unfortunate developments" and calling them "a rare case". Reddy had been cited for contempt by the High Court of Uttarakhand for disobeying their order on a petition filed by Chaturvedi, but his contempt proceeding was stayed by the Supreme Court in March 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/following-contempt-and-several-petitions-cat-chairman-recuses-himself-from-hearing-cases-of-whistleblower-ifs-officer-144232|title=Following Contempt And Several Petitions, CAT Chairman Recuses Himself From Hearing Cases Of Whistleblower IFS Officer|last=jain|first=akanksha|date=2019-04-12|website=www.livelaw.in|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/contempt-notice-to-cat-chairman-stayed-143503|title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi Case: SC Stays Uttarakhand HC's Contempt Notice To CAT Chairman [Read Order]|last=Kini|first=Ashok|date=2019-03-12|website=www.livelaw.in|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/sanjiv-chaturvedi-case-ukhand-hc-showcause-notice-contempt-cat-chairman-143108|title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi Case: U'khand HC Issues Showcause Notice For Contempt To CAT Chairman|last=jain|first=akanksha|date=2019-02-23|website=www.livelaw.in|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/india/cat-chairman-refuses-to-hear-cases-of-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-2027431|title=IFS संजीव चतुर्वेदी के केस की सुनवाई से कैट चेयरमैन का इन्कार, केस से हट चुके हैं पहले भी कई जज|website=NDTVIndia|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/cat-refuses-to-hear-cases-of-whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi|title=CAT Refuses to Hear Cases of 'Whistleblower' Sanjiv Chaturvedi|date=2019-04-23|website=The Quint|language=en|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/apr/23/cat-chief-decides-to-not-hear-whistleblower-officers-cases-cites-unfortunate-developments-1967986.html|title=CAT chief decides to not hear whistleblower officer's cases, cites unfortunate developments|website=The New Indian Express|date=23 April 2019 |access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref>
In January 2021, Chairman of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Justice L. Narsimha Reddy recused himself from the case filed by Sanjiv Chaturvedi, against the Central Government challenging lateral entry and 360 degree appraisal system introduced for officers at the level of Joint Secretary and above.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The curious case of nine years of recusals, relgations in cases against Magsaysay awardee IFS officer Chaturvedi|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jan/30/the-curious-case-of-nine-years-of-recusals-relgations-in-cases-against-magsaysay-awardee-ifs-office-2257117.html|access-date=2021-03-27|website=The New Indian Express|date=30 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=CAT chief recuses himself from hearing whistleblower IFS officer's case|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cat-chief-recuses-himself-from-hearing-whistleblower-ifs-officers-case/articleshow/80598778.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-03-27}}</ref> In February 2021, in the same case, another judge of CAT, Delhi, Justice RN Singh recused himself on the ground that he had earlier appeared as a counsel representing Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in a case filed by Chaturvedi.<ref>{{Cite news|title=CAT judge recuses himself from whistleblower IFS officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi's plea - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/cat-judge-recuses-himself-from-whistleblower-ifs-officer-sanjeev-chaturvedis-plea/articleshow/81657189.cms|access-date=2021-03-27|website=The Times of India|date=24 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Another recusal by CAT member in Magsaysay Award recipient officer's plea, seventh in eight years|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/23/another-recusal-by-cat-member-in-magsaysay-award-recipient-officers-plea-seventh-in-eight-years-2280546.html|access-date=2021-03-27|website=The New Indian Express|date=24 March 2021 }}</ref>
In May 2023, a division bench of Uttarakhand High Court consisting of Chief Justice, recused himself from hearing case of Chaturvedi. The order didn't mention any reason at all.<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=P. T. I. |date=2023-05-14 |title=Uttarakhand HC bench recuses itself from hearing IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi's case |url=https://lawtrend.in/uttarakhand-hc-bench-recuses-itself-from-hearing-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedis-case/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Law Trend |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=ANI |last2=ThePrint |date=2023-05-12 |title=U'khand HC bench rescues itself from hearing IFS Sanjiv Chaturvedi's case |url=https://theprint.in/india/ukhand-hc-bench-rescues-itself-from-hearing-ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedis-case/1569508/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
In another development in March 2023, a division bench of Supreme Court, headed by Justice M.R. Shah, referred the matter of Chaturvedi to a larger bench regarding the issue of deciding the jurisdiction of high courts to hear appeal against orders of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Judgement was reserved on 26 April in year 2022 and pronounced later on 3 March 2023, after a lapse of ten months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Sohini |date=2023-03-03 |title=Can HC Exercise Jurisdiction Over A Tribunal Situated Outside Its Territorial Limits? Supreme Court Refers To Larger Bench |url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/hc-challenge-order-passed-by-tribunal-outside-territorial-jurisdiction-supreme-court-sanjiv-chaturvedi-article-2262-223043 |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-03 |title=Supreme Court to revisit its decision in Alapan Bandhopadhyay case on jurisdiction of high courts |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-to-revisit-its-decision-in-alapan-bandhopadhyay-case-on-jurisdiction-of-high-courts/articleshow/98396003.cms |access-date=2023-06-03 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
In November 2023, another bench of Central Administrative Tribunal, recused itself from hearing case of Sanjiv Chaturvedi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-27 |title=CAT bench recuses itself from IFS Sanjeev Chaturvedi case |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cat-bench-recuses-itself-from-ifs-sanjeev-chaturvedi-case/articleshow/105540896.cms |access-date=2024-05-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
In February 2024, Justice Manoj Tiwari of Uttarakhand High Court recused from one of cases of Chaturvedi, without citing any reason. This was the ninth such judicial recusal in his case.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-19 |title=HC judge recuses himself from IFS Sanjiv Chaturvedi case |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-judge-recuses-himself-from-ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedi-case-uttarakhand-high-court/articleshow/107805792.cms |access-date=2024-05-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.ETLegalWorld.com |title=Uttarakhand HC's Justice Manoj Tiwari recuses self from hearing IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi's case - ET LegalWorld |url=https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/litigation/uttarakhand-hcs-justice-manoj-tiwari-recuses-self-from-hearing-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedis-case/107811119 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=ETLegalWorld.com |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2025, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nainital, Ms. Neha Kushwaha recused from a Criminal Defamation case filed by him, against one of CAT Judges, citing his earlier family relations with another CAT Judge, Mr. D S Mahara.<ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrKDgJ45g1pLgIAH6S7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728249/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.newindianexpress.com%2fnation%2f2025%2fJun%2f30%2ffourteenth-judge-recuses-from-case-involving-whistleblower-sanjeev-chaturvedi/RK=2/RS=NbpEuAVbh4OnsyoJNP9eTqjinZ8-</ref><ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrKDgJ45g1pLgIAIKS7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728249/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2fcity%2fdehradun%2f14th-judge-steps-aside-from-sanjiv-chaturvedis-cases%2farticleshow%2f122163950.cms/RK=2/RS=2Dm6OivZhTGvgO8aXIwOj.SgUjk-</ref>
In September, 2025, Senior Judge of Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Ravindra Maithani, recused from a contempt case filed by Chaturvedi against two Members of CAT, without citing any reason.<ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awrx.ZVg5w1pHwIA4YS7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728480/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.newindianexpress.com%2fnation%2f2025%2fSep%2f27%2funprecedented-in-judicial-history-15th-judge-recuses-from-cases-involving-sanjiv-chaturvedi-ifs/RK=2/RS=HGnQq7JtZi4DuRGB8jvH3lni_xc-</ref><ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awrx.ZVg5w1pHwIA6oS7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzUEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728480/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2fcity%2fdehradun%2fanother-judge-recuses-from-case-involving-whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi-15th-in-over-a-decade%2farticleshow%2f124185856.cms/RK=2/RS=vlWbx27sUZvru.ng6RmzeRDvilc-</ref><ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awrx.ZVg5w1pHwIA64S7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzYEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728480/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.deccanherald.com%2findia%2futtarakhand%2f15-judges-recuse-from-hearing-case-related-to-uttarakhand-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-3745376/RK=2/RS=C6qdg1G.biEV0NWPDbruU0YZuGg-</ref>
In October, 2025, Another Judge of Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Alok Verma, recused from the same contempt case filed by Chaturvedi against two Members of CAT, again without citing any reason.<ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1VTke6A1pFAIAf5S7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728671/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2findia%2f16th-judge-2nd-in-2-weeks-exits-chaturvedi-case%2farticleshow%2f124491771.cms/RK=2/RS=oMgPkC2KU_Xb1GoUfX1Od9Y9Szk-</ref><ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1VTke6A1pFAIAgpS7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzQEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728671/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.deccanherald.com%2findia%2fnow-16th-judge-recuses-from-hearing-case-of-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-3760911/RK=2/RS=E44JhgyQ9Qe2WhTCML4QqcaBwEE-</ref><ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1VTke6A1pFAIAg5S7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzUEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763728671/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.aninews.in%2fnews%2fnational%2fgeneral-news%2f16th-judge-recuses-from-hearing-uttarakhand-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedis-case20251011093742%2f/RK=2/RS=sDEE43V.Yhy.c6ZpVHAOfpkb4GY-</ref>
This was highest number of Judicial recusals in case of a single officer in Indian Judicial History. A detailed investigative story in ‘Times of India’ published in October, 2025, explored all the recusals and unusual judicial decisions in case of Sanjiv Chaturvedi. This was followed by many such opinion pieces in other publications on propriety of judicial recusals.<ref>16 judges recused from this whistleblower’s suits | India News - The Times of India</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Why 16 judges recused from this whistleblower's suits | work=The Times of India | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/law/why-16-judges-recused-from-this-whistleblowers-suits/articleshow/124659833.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi: Feisty IFS Officer Challenges Judiciary | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/feisty-ifs-officer-exposes-limits-of-judiciary-executive-3769215 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=The Duty to Decide | date=31 October 2025 | url=https://www.livelaw.in/articles/ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-case-and-recusal-of-judges-analysis-308395 }}</ref><ref>https://www.dailypioneer.com/2025/columnists/the-recusal-syndrome-in-indian-judiciary.html</ref><ref>https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/the-truth-walks-alone/articleshow/124964911.htm</ref>
=== Prime Minister's intervention === {{anchor|Involvement of Prime Minister's office}}
''[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]'' cited RTI documents that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed Chaturvedi's removal with Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on 23 August 2014. That day, Union Health Secretary Luv Verma wrote to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister that the Prime Minister had phoned the union Health minister and a report to the Prime Minister would follow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/212518/rti-reveals-modi-called-health-minister-discuss-removal-aiims-whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi/|title=RTI Reveals Modi Called Health Minister to Discuss Removal of AIIMS Whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi|work=The Wire|date=10 January 2018|author=Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> Although the content of the conversation was unclear, Chaturvedi was then stripped of his responsibilities, received a zero appraisal and faced several lawsuits. After the phone call, the prime minister's office unsuccessfully sought comments or a report from the health ministry about Chaturvedi's allegations. In 2013, the prime minister's office had intervened to resolve his case concerning differences between the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pmo-steps-in-to-resolve-row-over-whistleblower/article5190661.ece|title=PMO steps in to resolve row over whistle-blower|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 October 2013|author=Nitin Sethi|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> In February 2019, Chaturvedi wrote to Prime Minister Modi asking him to disclose details of Modi's phone conversation with Harsh Vardhan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/whistleblower-bureaucrat-writes-to-pm-for-details-of-conversation-with-former-health-minister-758733|title=Whistleblower bureaucrat writes to PM for details of conversation with former Health minister|website=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|language=en|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref>
=== Campaign against black money=== {{anchor|Campaign against black money and corruption}}
In August 2017, Chaturvedi submitted a 16-point RTI application to the prime minister's office for information on funds brought into India by the Modi government and deposited into citizen accounts. During the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP promised to deposit {{INR}}15 [[lakh]]s of foreign money into the account of every citizen. Chaturvedi also sought information on corruption complaints against Modi government ministers, a copy of the inquiry report and action taken on the complaints by the prime minister. Although the prime minister's office initially refused to provide the information, the [[Central Information Commission]] (CIC) ordered the prime minister's office to do so within 15 days on 16 October 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pms-office-now-has-to-disclose-corruption-complaints-against-union-ministers-central-information-com-1935217|title=PM's Office Now Has To Disclose Corruption Complaints Against Ministers|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/government/pmo-cic-black-money-details-narendra-modi|title=CIC Directs PMO to Reveal All Details of Black Money Brought From Abroad|website=The Wire|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/how-much-black-money-has-been-brought-back-cic/articleshow/66313703.cms|title=How much black money has been brought back: CIC|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref> In its 12 November response, the prime minister's office said that providing details would be "cumbersome exercise" and "disproportionately divert the resources of the office" under Section 7 (9) of the RTI Act, 2005.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi = 10.1163/2211-4394_rwilwo_sim_032651|title = Iv.l.13 United Nations Convention Against Corruption}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pmo-refuses-to-share-details-of-corruption-complaints-against-ministers/articleshow/66732801.cms|title=PMO refuses to share details of corruption complaints against ministers|website=The Times of India|date=22 November 2018 |access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref> The office also refused to provide information about money brought in from abroad, saying that its disclosure would affect a black-money investigation and citing Sections 8(1)(h) and 24 of the RTI Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEFZUc8Nj8fWr1o18XAzqE-sqGQgEKhAIACoHCAow2pqGCzD954MDMPTVigY|title=Despite CIC orders, PMO refuses info on black money brought from abroad|website=Google News|language=en|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rti-query-reply-pm-office-refuses-info-on-black-money-says-may-harm-investigation/story-SO8uLR8TojyRPtuWXACfzL.html|title=PM office refuses info on black money, says may harm investigation|date=2018-11-25|website=www.hindustantimes.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref> The denial by the PMO was questioned by [[Shiv Sena]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mystery-of-black-money-has-deepened-further-says-shiv-sena-1954113|title=Mystery Of Black Money Has Deepened Further, Says Shiv Sena|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref> and Chaturvedi called the fight against corruption a second freedom struggle,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/interview/fighting-corruption-is-like-a-second-freedom-struggle/20181105.htm|title=Fighting corruption is like a second freedom struggle|website=Rediff|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref> which has been studied in several publications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/columns/if-you-fight-corruption-government-will-fight-you-142965|title=If You Fight Corruption, Government Will Fight You!|last=Sridhar|first=Prof (Dr ) Madabhushi|date=2019-02-17|website=www.livelaw.in|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/171648/ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedi-anti-corruption-magsaysay-india/|title='The Path Isn't a Cakewalk': A Firebrand IFS Officer On How to Battle Corruption|date=2019-02-05|website=The Better India|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref>
In November 2018, Chaturvedi filed a non-compliance complaint against the prime minister's office with the Central Information Commission under Section 18 of the RTI Act. The complaint was heard in April and June 2019; in an 18 June order, the CIC ruled that the prime minister's office was incorrect in its justification. However, it agreed with the PMO that disclosure of the information would impede an ongoing investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/cic-terms-pmos-objections-on-rti-seeking-details-on-union-ministers-corruption-cases-as-not-correct/articleshow/70062815.cms|title=CIC terms PMO's objections on RTI seeking details on Union ministers' corruption cases as 'not correct'|date=4 July 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/cic-paves-way-for-disclosure-of-corruption-complaints-against-union-ministers/articleshow/70070183.cms|title=CIC paves way for disclosure of corruption complaints against Union ministers|date=2019-07-04|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/cic-paves-way-for-disclosure-of-graft-plaints-against-ministers-361602|title=CIC paves way for disclosure of graft plaints against ministers|last=MP|first=Team|date=2019-07-04|website=www.millenniumpost.in|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref>
In July and September 2019, the Delhi High Court dismissed Chaturvedi's case.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/law/pmo-central-information-commission-black-money-rti|title=Wordplay Helps PMO Dodge Release of Details on Black Money, Corruption Cases Under RTI|website=The Wire|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> A Supreme Court [[division bench]], hearing a [[Special Leave Petitions in India|special leave petition]] filed by Chaturvedi against the Delhi High Court rulings, issued a notice to the PMO in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/economy/sc-issues-notice-to-pmo-on-black-money-andcorruption-cases-against-modis-ministers|title=SC issues notice to PMO on black money and corruption cases against Modi's ministers|website=National Herald|date=31 January 2020|language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-to-hear-plea-on-disclosure-of-ministers-graft-cases-under-rti/articleshow/73821959.cms|title=SC to hear plea on disclosure of ministers' graft cases under RTI|website=The Times of India|date=February 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rajagopal|first=Krishnadas|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-to-examine-appeal-against-high-court-order-in-rti-case/article30708318.ece|title=SC to examine appeal against High Court order in RTI case|date=2020-02-01|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-19|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-issues-notice-to-pmo-over-plea-on-black-money-details/story-4XpPwMmc7TxjEaW4ksM7dL.html|title=SC issues notice to PMO over plea on black money details|date=2020-02-01|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref>
In January 2024, in a landmark judgement, involving corruption cases investigated by Chaturvedi. The Delhi High Court ruled that CBI is not exempted under RTI Act in matters of Corruption and human rights violation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thapliyal |first=Nupur |date=2024-02-03 |title=CBI Not Exempted Under RTI Act, Must Provide Info On Corruption And Human Rights Violations Except 'Sensitive Investigation': Delhi HC |url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/delhi-high-court/delhi-high-court-cbi-not-exempted-rti-act-248372 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-03 |title=CBI not completely exempted under RTI Act, permitted to furnish info on allegations of corruption: Delhi HC |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/cbi-not-completely-exempted-under-rti-act-permitted-to-furnish-info-on-allegations-of-corruption-delhi-hc/articleshow/107386036.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-05-02 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Earlier in September 2023, in an unprecedented and bold order, the Delhi High Court issued contempt notices, to two senior CBI officers on petition of Chaturvedi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-29 |title=IFS officer case: Delhi HC issues notices to 2 CBI officials |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ifs-officer-case-hc-issues-notices-to-2-cbi-officials/articleshow/104026096.cms |access-date=2024-05-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Delhi HC issues contempt notices to senior CBI officers |url=https://thedailyguardian.com/delhi-hc-issues-contempt-notices-to-senior-cbi-officers/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TheDailyGuardian |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2024, Supreme Court agreed to expedite hearing of case of black money brought from abroad, on petition of Chaturvedi.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-07-28 |title=Supreme Court Expedites Hearing Of Sanjiv Chaturvedi's Plea For Information From PMO On Black Money Brought From Abroad |url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-expedites-hearing-of-sanjiv-chaturvedis-plea-for-information-from-pmo-on-black-money-brought-from-abroad-264816 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref>
In an unprecedented affidavit filed before Delhi High Court in April 2024, in second contempt petition of Chaturvedi against it, CBI alleged 'arm twisting' by Chaturvedi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBI alleges arm-twisting by IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi in affidavit before court |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/cbi-alleges-arm-twisting-by-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-in-affidavit-before-court20240505231210/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref>
=== Defamation case against Chaturvedi === {{anchor|Criminal defamation case}}
A defamation case was filed against Chaturvedi by Vineet Chawdhary in a [[Shimla]] court concerning Chaturvedi's August 2014 letter to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, which contained a list of pending departmental and CBI investigations of Chawdhary. Chawdhary was deputy director (administration) at AIIMS New Delhi from 2010 to 2012, and was the subject of a number of complaints about financial irregularities and abuse of power. After the lower court issued a summons, Chaturvedi approached the Shimla High Court to quash the proceedings on the grounds that providing information on pending cases was part of his duties as AIIMS CVO.
In an April 2018 order, the Shimla High Court refused to intervene; the judge hearing the case recused himself for personal reasons.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/defamation-case-judge-recuses-from-hearing/articleshow/64106600.cms|title=Defamation case: Judge recuses from hearing|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref> Chaturvedi challenged the defamation case in the Supreme Court, which overturned the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruling the following month and asked it to re-hear the case.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/may/26/criminal-defamation-case-sc-sets-aside-himachal-hc-order-denying-relief-to-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chatu-1819745.html|title=Criminal defamation case: SC sets aside Himachal HC order denying relief to IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livelaw.in/sc-sets-aside-hp-hc-order-denying-relief-to-whistleblower-ifs-officer-seeking-quashing-of-defamation-complaint-by-hp-chief-secy-read-order/|title=SC Sets Aside HP HC Order Denying Relief To Whistleblower IFS Officer Seeking Quashing Of Defamation Complaint By HP Chief Secy [Read Order]|date=2018-05-17|work=Live Law|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Delhi Government invitation === {{anchor|Invitation by Delhi Government}}
In 2015, the [[Aam Aadmi Party]] planned to appoint Chaturvedi as chief of the Delhi [[List of anti-corruption agencies|anti-corruption bureau]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/aaps-first-big-message-whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi-as-delhi-anti-corruption-chief-739231?pfrom=home-lateststories |title=AAP's First Big Message: Whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi as Delhi Anti-Corruption chief |publisher=NDTV |date=13 February 2015 |author=Deepshikha Ghosh }}</ref> On 17 and 28 February 2015, Delhi Chief Minister [[Arvind Kejriwal]] wrote to Cabinet Minister of Environment and Forests [[Prakash Javdekar]] asking for the deputation of Chaturvedi to Delhi as an officer on special duty. The [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]] (MoEFCC) directed the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]] to consent to Chaturvedi's deputation to the Delhi government.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/whistleblower-sanjeev-chaturvedi-osd-appointment-in-delhi-govt/article7305138.ece?w=spa |title=Centre gives nod for whistleblower Sanjeev Chaturvedi as OSD in Delhi govt |newspaper=the Hindu |date=11 June 2015 |first=Jatin |last=Anand }}</ref>
In October 2015, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare gave its consent. This was followed by the [[government of Uttarakhand]], and a court directed the [[Appointments Committee of the Cabinet]] (ACC) to make a decision by 1 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-12-17/news/69119325_1_sanjiv-chaturvedi-health-ministry-kejriwal | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826015907/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-12-17/news/69119325_1_sanjiv-chaturvedi-health-ministry-kejriwal | url-status=dead | archive-date=26 August 2016 | title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi may soon join Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as his officer on special duty | newspaper=Economic Times | date=17 December 2015 | author=Raghav Ohri }}</ref> The Uttarakhand government withdrew its consent in January 2016, restoring it shortly afterwards.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/transfer-row-strange-twists-in-uttarakhand-government-centre-order-against-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi/articleshow/51433930.cms | title=Transfer row:Strange twists in Uttarakhand Government | date=17 March 2016 | author=Raghav Ohri }}</ref> The court directed the ACC to make a timely decision. In July 2016, ACC rejected Chaturvedi's transfer because he had not completed the requisite cooling-off period between deputations. In a letter to the prime minister that month, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that a cooling-off period is not required for personal staff appointments<ref>{{Cite news |first=Nitin |last=Sethi |date=25 June 2016 |title=ACC rejects Sanjiv Chaturvedi's deputation to Kejriwal's office |newspaper=Business Standard |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/acc-rejects-sanjiv-chaturvedi-s-deputation-to-kejriwal-s-office-116062401351_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819184524/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/acc-rejects-sanjiv-chaturvedi-s-deputation-to-kejriwal-s-office-116062401351_1.html |archive-date=19 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and requested the deputation for the public good.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/arvind-kejriwal-writes-to-pm-narendra-modi-pressing-for-sanjiv-chaturvedis-posting-as-osd-2907133|title=Arvind Kejriwal writes to PM Modi pressing for Sanjiv Chaturvedi's posting as OSD|date=11 July 2016}}</ref>
== Career in Uttarakhand ==
In October 2012, Chaturvedi applied for a change of cadre from Haryana to Uttarakhand on the grounds of extreme hardship, including frequent transfers, a suspension and false cases. The state governments and the Ministry of Environment and Forests also recommended a cadre change in July 2014 to the Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC), headed by the prime minister. On 28 January 2015, the ACC ordered fresh [[No Objection Certificate|NOCs]] from both state governments. The order was challenged by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which stayed and then quashed it in May 2015 and gave the ACC two months to approve the cadre change; on 13 August 2015, the cadre change was approved.<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 August 2015 |orig-year=updated 10 January 2016 |title=After 3-year wait, whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi gets Uttarakhand cadre |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150817/nation-current-affairs/article/after-3-year-wait-whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi-gets |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908172330/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150817/nation-current-affairs/article/after-3-year-wait-whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi-gets |archive-date=8 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Uttarakhand forest conservator === {{anchor|As conservator of forest in Uttarakhand}}
After completing his four-year tenure at AIIMS New Delhi, Chaturvedi joined the Uttarakhand cadre on 29 August 2016 and was promoted to Conservator of Forest in November of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/In-surprise-move-Ukhand-govt-promotes-whistle-blower-IFS-officer-Sanjiv-Chaturvedi/articleshow/55338528.cms|title=In surprise move, Uttarakhand government promotes whistle-blower IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi|work=Times of India|date=10 November 2016|author=Yogesh Kumar|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The state government was confused about his posting, and after three months he was ordered to a post as [[Officer on Special Duty]] (OSD) of the government of Uttarakhand to supervise state cases in the National Green Tribunal (NGT).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/IFS-officer-Sanjiv-Chaturvedi-gets-Delhi-posting/articleshow/55625693.cms|title=IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi gets Delhi posting|work=Times of India|date=25 November 2016|author=Darshan Kunwar|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The state government cancelled the Delhi posting within 24 hours at a press conference called by Chief Minister [[Harish Rawat]], who said that Chaturvedi would receive a posting of his choice in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 November 2016|title=Uttarakhand govt reverses its own order on whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi's posting |newspaper=DNA (Diligent Media Corporation) |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-uttarakhand-govt-reverses-its-own-order-on-sanjiv-chaturvedi-s-posting-2277393 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129173047/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-uttarakhand-govt-reverses-its-own-order-on-sanjiv-chaturvedi-s-posting-2277393 |archive-date=29 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> After Chaturvedi requested assignment to the anti-corruption wing, he was appointed Conservator of Forest (Research) on 12 May 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Yogesh |date=8 December 2016 |title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi appointed as Forest Conservator in Haldwani |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Sanjiv-Chaturvedi-appointed-as-Forest-Conservator-in-Haldwani/articleshow/55860004.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214011717/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Sanjiv-Chaturvedi-appointed-as-Forest-Conservator-in-Haldwani/articleshow/55860004.cms |archive-date=14 February 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref> The reversal was criticized by state political activists.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Kautilya |date=7 December 2016 |title=Cong govt 'shielding' corrupt officers, punishing honest ones: Hamara Uttarakhand Manch |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Cong-govt-shielding-corrupt-officers-punishing-honest-ones-Hamara-Uttarakhand-Manch/articleshow/55855425.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208075553/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Cong-govt-shielding-corrupt-officers-punishing-honest-ones-Hamara-Uttarakhand-Manch/articleshow/55855425.cms |archive-date=8 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref>
=== Research projects ===
Chaturvedi initiated projects on the [[effects of climate change|impact of climate change]] on rhododendron bloom, changes in the tree line, and carbon sequestration of broad-leaved species.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/project-launched-to-study-climate-change-impact-on-flowering-of-rhododendron/articleshow/58085902.cms|title=Project launched to study climate change impact on flowering of rhododendron|work=Times of India|date=9 April 2017|author=Seema Sharma|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> A research study to gather data on aspects of human-wildlife conflict, Uttarakhand's most significant problem, was also initiated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/forest-dept-to-compile-data-on-man-animal-conflict/articleshow/58648789.cms|title=Forest dept to compile data on man-animal conflict|work=Times of India|author=Seema Sharma|date=12 May 2017|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The patenting of two medicinal species was begun.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/forestdept-takes-initiative-to-get-2-medicinal-plant-species-patented/articleshow/59299366.cms|title=Forest dept takes initiative to get 2 medicinal plant species patented|author=Seema Sharma|work=Times of India|date=24 June 2017|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> Chaturvedi began a conservation program for fern species,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-research-circle-starts-conservation-program-for-ferns-species/articleshow/60121512.cms|title=Uttarakhand Research Circle starts conservation program for ferns species|work=Times of India|author=Seema Sharma|date=18 August 2017|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> and a project for the conservation and propagation of species in the state's alpine meadows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/in-a-first-nurseries-to-conserve-critically-endangered-vegetation-species-in-high-altitude-alpine-meadows/articleshow/61705464.cms|title=Nurseries in high alpine meadows to be set up for the first time in Uttarakhand|work=Times of India|author=Seema Sharma|date=18 November 2017|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> The state government planned to patent [[Chicory|kasani]] after a [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|Defence Research and Development Organization]] unit corroborated its medicinal properties with Chaturvedi's research wing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-to-apply-for-patent-of-wonder-herb-after-drdo-unit-validates-medicinal-properties/articleshow/62233998.cms|title=Uttarakhand to apply for patent of wonder herb after DRDO unit validates medicinal properties|date=25 December 2017|work=Times of India|author=Seema Sharma|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> Chaturvedi initiated projects researching 17 tree species which yield dye, tannin and gum.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/research-to-be-conducted-on-17-tree-species/articleshow/62936873.cms|title=Research to be conducted on 17 tree species|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-05-05}}</ref> Steps were taken to conserve rare and threatened Himalayan plant species by requiring that at least 10 percent of such species be planted annually statewide.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-to-conserve-34-rare-endangered-threatened-plants-found-in-himalayas/articleshow/65000689.cms|title=Uttarakhand to conserve 34 'rare endangered threatened' plants found in Himalayas|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref>
A project was initiated to conserve wild mushrooms growing in the Devban region.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/forest-dept-to-grow-wild-mushrooms-with-medicinal-properties/articleshow/65464512.cms|title=Forest dept to grow wild mushrooms with medicinal properties|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref> In November 2018, the Uttarakhand government approved Chaturvedi's proposal to conserve Himalayan flora.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/uttarakhand-forest-department-to-form-research-centre-for-preservation-of-himalayan-flora/325317|title=Uttarakhand forest department to form research centre for preservation of Himalayan flora|website=www.timesnownews.com|date=3 December 2018 |language=en-GB|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-forest-department-gets-first-research-centre-to-conserve-himalayan-flora/story-5lG6TlLOp7rTVymi9ncASO.html|title=Uttarakhand forest department gets first research centre to conserve Himalayan flora|date=2018-12-03|website=www.hindustantimes.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref> Tulips were successfully grown in Haldwani.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-tulip-in-uttrakhand-18908592.html|title=उत्तराखंड में पहली बार खिला ट्यूलिप|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>
A conservation project for grass species in the state was initiated,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-forest-department-19177650.html|title=उत्तराखंड में महफूज रहेंगी घास की 185 प्रजातियां|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref> A Palmatum for conservation of various palm species was established in Haldwani.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/grass-species-will-preserved-uttarakhand|title=उत्तराखंडः संरक्षित होंगी लुप्त हो रही घास की 185 प्रजातियां, यहां बनी नर्सरी|website=Amar Ujala|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref> and efforts were made to conserve historically important tree species.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-pametum-19139911.html|title=उत्तराखंड में होगा पाम की विभिन्न प्रजातियों का संरक्षण, पढ़िए पूरी खबर|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-forest-dept-to-preserve-and-propagate-trees-under-which-guru-nanak-adi-shankaracharya-swami-vivekanand-meditated/articleshow/68945242.cms|title=Uttarakhand forest department to preserve, propagate trees of spiritual value|date=18 April 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref> A project was begun to conserve 127 orchid species in the Gori Valley, and a rare species of [[macaque]] was reported in the state's Pithoragarh region.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-forest-dept-starts-project-to-conserve-127-orchid-species-in-pithoragarhs-gori-valley/articleshow/69223801.cms|title=U'khand forest department starts project to conserve 127 orchid species in Pithoragarh's Gori valley|date=8 May 2019|first=Shivani|last=Azad|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/rare-monkey-species-in-gori-valley-facing-extinction/articleshow/69255548.cms|title=Rare monkey species in Gori valley facing extinction|date=10 May 2019|first=Prem|last=Punetha|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> A study was conducted on the impact of [[climate change]] on the [[Himalayan pika]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/himalayan-pika-hare-like-herbivore-found-in-upper-himalayas-facing-threat-due-to-climate-change/articleshow/69730405.cms|title=Himalayan Pika, hare-like herbivore found in upper Himalayas facing threat due to climate change|date=11 June 2019|first=Shivani|last=Azad|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref>
The Forest Department began a project to plant [[Platanus orientalis|chinar]] trees, otherwise found in [[Kashmir]], in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/jks-scenic-chinar-trees-at-ukhands-tourist-sites-soon/articleshow/70760559.cms|title=J&K's scenic Chinar trees at U'khand's tourist sites soon|date=21 August 2019|first=Prem|last=Punetha|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-to-conserve-32-himalayan-creepers-with-medicinal-value/articleshow/70950986.cms|title=U'khand to conserve 32 Himalayan creepers with medicinal value|date=3 September 2019|first=Shivani|last=Azad|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref> In October 2019, another project was initiated to conserve the state's wild fruits and spices.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Forest department to conserve state's wild fruits, spices|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/forest-dept-to-conserve-states-wild-fruits-spices/articleshow/71558677.cms|access-date=2020-03-19|website=The Times of India|date=13 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Two months later, a project was begun in [[Nainital district]] to establish India's first [[moss]] garden and showcase moss species.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Forest department to develop country's first moss garden in Nainital|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/forest-dept-to-develop-countrys-first-moss-garden-in-nainital/articleshow/72419782.cms|access-date=2020-03-19|website=The Times of India|date=8 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref> In March 2020, Jurassic Park was established in [[Haldwani]] for [[Jurassic]] vegetation, including ''[[ginkgo biloba]]'', [[fern]], [[cycad]]s, mosses, [[conifer]]s and [[horsetail]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/haldwani-to-get-jurassic-park-to-house-plant-species/articleshow/74642151.cms|title=Uttrakhand: Haldwani to get Jurassic Park, to house plant species|date=16 March 2020|first=Prashant|last=Jha|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> A Buddha Garden was established the following month in Haldwani, showcasing 13 tree species linked to [[Gautama Buddha]] (including the [[Saraca asoca|ashoka tree]] under which he was reportedly born, the [[Ficus religiosa|peepal tree]] under which he attained enlightenment and the [[Shorea robusta|sal tree]] under which he died).<ref>{{Cite news|title=On Buddha Purnima, Vatika inaugurated at Haldwani|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/on-buddha-purnima-vatika-inaugurated-at-haldwani/articleshow/75607923.cms|access-date=2020-06-12|website=The Times of India|date=8 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand: Buddha Vatika inaugurated at research wing of state forest department in Haldwani|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/uttarakhand-buddha-vatika-inaugurated-research-wing-state-forest-062017100.html|access-date=2020-06-12|website=in.news.yahoo.com|language=en-IN}}</ref> India's first Moss garden was finally inaugurated in November 2020. It is spread over an area of 10 ha and has more than thirty species of Moss and bryophytes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 21, 2020|first=Ishita|last=Mishra|title=Uttarakhand gets its first 'Moss Garden' in Nainital|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-gets-its-first-moss-garden-in-nainital/articleshow/79328590.cms|access-date=2021-01-19|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=India's first moss garden comes up near Nainital|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indias-first-moss-garden-comes-up-near-nainital/articleshow/79337826.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-01-19}}</ref>
Chaturvedi released a report in May of that year on 1,145 plant species (endemic and threatened) conserved by Uttarakhand's research wing, including trees, medicinal herbs, orchids, bamboo, ferns, grasses, shrubs, cactus, palm, Alpine flowers, moss, algae and lichens.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In a first, Uttarakhand releases report on conservation of endemic, threatened floras|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/first-uttarakhand-releases-report-conservation-091951470.html|access-date=2020-06-12|website=in.news.yahoo.com|language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Global Eco Watch: Bumblebees bite leaves to make plants flower early|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/global-eco-watch-bumblebees-bite-leaves-to-make-plants-flower-early-71346|access-date=2020-06-12|website=www.downtoearth.org.in|date=25 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=One of the Biggest plant conservation report of its kind released: Will it cure Plant Blindness as well?|url=https://www.indianmandarins.com/news/one-of-the-biggest-plant-conservation-report-of-its-kind-released-will-it-cure-plant-blindness-as-well-/20683|access-date=2020-06-12|website=IndianMandarins|language=en}}</ref>
For the 2020 [[World Environment Day]] on 5 June, Chaturvedi inaugurated Uttarakhand's largest biodiversity park. The {{convert|18|acre|ha|adj=on}} park contains about 500 plant species, including trees, medicinal herbs, cactus, orchids, palm, bamboo and [[vine]]s. Its approximately 45 different sections include Jurassic Park (showcasing Jurassic vegetation), a soil museum, a weather station, driftwood, pebble art and medicinal-plant extracts.<ref>{{Cite news|title=U'khand opens its biggest biodiversity park in Haldwani on World Environment Day|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-opens-its-biggest-biodiversity-park-in-haldwani-on-world-environment-day/articleshow/76223752.cms|access-date=2020-06-12|website=The Times of India|date=6 June 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand opens biodiversity park in Haldwani to encourage conservation|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/uttarakhand-opens-biodiversity-park-in-haldwani-to-encourage-conservation-71634|access-date=2020-06-12|website=www.downtoearth.org.in|date=8 June 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=From 'sarv Dharam Vatika' To Jurassic Lawn, Uttarakhand's Haldwani Biodiversity Lawn Boasts Of An Ecological Combine - Go Back And Forth |url=https://googlenewz.live/from-sarv-dharam-vatika-to-jurassic-lawn-uttarakhands-haldwani-biodiversity-lawn-boasts-of-an-ecological-combine-go-back-and-forth/|access-date=2020-06-12|website=google Newz|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-06|title=From 'sarv dharam vatika' to Jurassic garden, Uttarakhand's Haldwani biodiversity garden boasts of an ecological mix|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/from-sarv-dharam-vatika-to-jurassic-garden-uttarakhand-s-haldwani-biodiversity-garden-boasts-of-an-ecological-mix/story-f7ULjoNqWFEB16yeI5p13N.html|access-date=2020-06-12|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> That month, India's first Lichen Park was opened in [[Munsyari]], [[Pithoragarh district]]. The {{convert|2|acre|ha|adj=on}} park contains about 80 species of [[lichen]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-28|title=Uttarakhand forest department develops India's first lichen park in Kumaon|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-forest-department-develops-india-s-first-lichen-park-in-kumaon/story-tBJYbxiexPVTlxhjU6y1hO.html|access-date=2020-08-03|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India's 'first' lichen park in Uttarakhand to conserve Jurassic era plant|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/india-s-first-lichen-park-in-uttarakhand-to-conserve-jurassic-era-plant/613213|access-date=2020-08-03|website=www.timesnownews.com|date=28 June 2020 |language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, a Ramayana Garden was opened in Haldwani. The {{convert|1|acre|ha|adj=on}} garden contains forest types and plant species described in [[Valmiki]]'s ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thematic garden inspired by Ram's 14-year vanvas developed in Haldwani|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/thematic-garden-inspired-by-rams-14year-vanvas-developed-in-haldwani/1895057|access-date=2020-08-03|website=www.outlookindia.com/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Garden containing plant species mentioned in Valmiki's Ramayana, opened for public in Haldwani|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/garden-containing-plant-species-mentioned-in-valmikis-ramayana-opened-for-public-in-haldwani/articleshow/76965409.cms|access-date=2020-08-03|website=The Times of India|date=15 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-26|title=Nature inspires literature: Rabindranath Tagore, Gulzar, Ruskin Bond and other writers at Uttarakhand conservation centres|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/nature-inspires-literature-rabindranath-tagore-gulzar-ruskin-bond-and-other-writers-at-uttarakhand-conservation-centres/story-1tQX1Yz6wgPvk1lCBhynAN.html|access-date=2020-08-03|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Connecting nature and literature, poems about nature by [[Robert Frost]], [[Sumitranandan Pant]], [[Ghalib|Mirza Ghalib]], [[Gulzar]], [[Rabindranath Tagore|Tagore]] and [[Ruskin Bond]] are displayed in the state's biodiversity conservation centers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wooing people to conserve nature through poetry, Uttarakhand shows the way|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/wooing-people-conserve-nature-poetry-110040534.html|access-date=2020-08-03|website=in.news.yahoo.com|language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name="hindustantimes.com"/>
In December 2020, India's first pollinator park was inaugurated in Haldwani. Spread over an area of 4 acres (1.62 ha), it has 40 different pollinator species.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India's first pollinator park opens in Uttarakhand, will support over 40 key species|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/dec/29/indias-first-pollinator-park-opens-in-uttarakhand-will-support-over-40-key-species-2242653.html|access-date=2021-01-19|website=The New Indian Express|date=29 December 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-21|title=Country's first moss garden comes up in Uttarakhand's Nainital district|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/country-s-first-moss-garden-comes-up-in-uttarakhand-s-nainital-district/story-ef282Q4p9qHQ0nm5RyL2uI.html|access-date=2021-01-19|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
In January 2021, an arboretum consisting of around 200 species of trees and shrubs, representing biodiversity of Shiwali Hills, which is basically Outer Himalayas was inaugurated.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Shivalik Arboretum inaugurated in Nainital - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/shivalik-arboretum-inaugurated-in-nainital/articleshow/80617613.cms|access-date=2021-03-27|website=The Times of India|date=February 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-31|title=Uttarakhand sets up first arboretum for Shivalik range with 210 species of trees|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarakhand-sets-up-first-arboretum-for-shivalik-range-with-210-species-of-trees-101612094988675.html|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> In February 2021, First Forest Healing Centre of India was inaugurated at Ranikhet. Inspired from [[Shinrin-yoku|Japanese system of forest bathing]] and ancient Indian traditions, it intends to promote activities of tree hugging, forest walking, forest meditation and sky gazing, to augment healing process.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India's first forest healing centre inaugurated in Uttrakand's Ranikhet|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indias-first-forest-healing-centre-inaugurated-in-uttrakands-ranikhet20210307170045/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-09|title=Uttarakhand opens India's first forest healing centre|url=https://www.cntraveller.in/story/uttarakhand-opens-india-first-forest-healing-centre-ranikhet/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Condé Nast Traveller India|language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dip a Toe as Japan's Forest Bathing Idea Comes to India|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/71289/india-now-has-a-forest-healing-centre|access-date=2021-03-27|website=www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/|date=14 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
On the eve of World Environment Day in 2021, a comprehensive report of Flora conserved by Research Wing was released. Report contained details of 1576 plant species out of which 73 were threatened and 53 were endemic. It was stated that this report is being released to counter concept of plant blindness.<ref>{{Cite magazine|agency=Press Trust of India |date=June 4, 2021 |title=On eve of World Environment Day, list of 1,500 plant species conserved in Uttarakhand released|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/on-eve-of-world-environment-day-list-of-1-500-plant-species-conserved-in-uttarakhand-released-1810973-2021-06-04|access-date=2021-07-23|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=To combat 'plant blindness', Uttarakhand Forest Department releases report of over 1500 flora|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/05/to-combat-plant-blindness-uttarakhand-forest-department-releases-report-of-over-1500-flora-2312093.html|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The New Indian Express|date=5 June 2021 }}</ref>
In June 2021, a unique garden called Bharat Vatika was unveiled, prepared by Research Wing under Sanjiv Chaturvedi and inaugurated by schoolgirls. It contained all the State trees of 28 States and 5 Union Territories of India, brought together at one place for the first time anywhere in country. As per 'Times of India' report, it took massive efforts to collect plants from far away States, from roads, railways and by air.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Prashant Jha|date=Jun 27, 2021|title=A 500km road trip, saplings on flight: How Uttarakhand built country's first garden with trees from all states,union territories {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/a-500km-road-trip-saplings-on-flight-how-ukhand-built-countrys-1st-garden-with-trees-from-all-states-uts/articleshow/83878353.cms|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=भारत वाटिका तैयार, सभी राज्यों के राज्य वृक्षों का होगा संरक्षण|url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/nainital/bharat-vatika-ready-state-trees-of-all-states-will-be-protected-haldwani-news-hld4291227122|access-date=2021-07-23|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bharat Vatika: Uttarakhand develops biodiversity garden with state trees of all provinces, UTs|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/26/bharat-vatika-uttarakhand-develops-biodiversity-garden-with-state-trees-of-all-provinces-uts-2321851.html|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The New Indian Express|date=26 June 2021 }}</ref>
In July 2021, first Cryptogamic garden of India, was inaugurated, in Dehradun District of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 9000 ft. Developed by Research Wing, it displays more than 70 species of Cryptogams.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-11|title=India's first cryptogamic garden opens in Dehradun|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dehradun-cryptogamic-garden-uttarakhand-indias-first-7399416/|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Shivani Azad|date=Jul 12, 2021|title=India's first cryptogamic garden opens in Uttarakhand {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-forest-dept-sets-up-indias-first-cryptogamic-garden/articleshow/84324539.cms|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India's first cryptogamic garden inaugurated in Dehradun|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jul/11/indias-first-cryptogamic-garden-inaugurated-in-dehradun-2328611.html|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The New Indian Express|date=11 July 2021 }}</ref>
In July 2021, first orchid conservation Centre of North India was got inaugurated in Mandal. spread over an area of 3 acres, It has 70 different orchid species.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-30|title=Uttarakhand's first orchid conservation center opened|url=https://illinoisnewstoday.com/uttarakhands-first-orchid-conservation-center-opened/321640/|access-date=2021-12-21|website=Illinois News Today|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand gets first centre dedicated exclusively to orchid species|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/uttarakhand-gets-first-centre-dedicated-exclusively-to-orchid-species/2131413|access-date=2021-12-21|website=www.outlookindia.com/|language=en}}</ref>
In August, research wing reported a new subspecies of Orchid-Celephenthra erecta, which was a new addition to list of Indian flora.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Rare orchid species found in U'khand|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/rare-orchid-species-found-in-ukhand-298032|access-date=2021-12-21|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rare orchid species found in U'khand|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/rare-orchid-species-found-in-ukhand/2142192|access-date=2021-12-21|website=www.outlookindia.com/|language=en}}</ref>
In August 2021, highest altitude herbal garden of India, developed by research wing under Chaturvedi, at an altitude of 11000 ft was got inaugurated. Spread over an area of 3 acres, it has 40 different species, divided into four sections. It is located at Mana, near Indo-China border.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-21|title=El parque de hierbas más alto del país inaugurado cerca de la frontera entre Indochina en Uttarakhand|url=https://www.ezanime.net/el-parque-de-hierbas-mas-alto-del-pais-inaugurado-cerca-de-la-frontera-entre-indochina-en-uttarakhand/|access-date=2021-12-21|website=EzAnime.net|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Shivani Azad|date=Aug 22, 2021|title=Uttarakhand: At 11,000 feet, country's highest garden at Mana {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/at-11k-ft-countrys-highest-garden-at-mana-indias-last-village/articleshow/85519864.cms|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
In September, biggest open-air fernery of India, was inaugurated at Ranikhet, displaying around 120 different fern species.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Open-air fernery with over 120 species of ferns inaugurated in Uttarakhand's Ranikhet|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/open-air-fernery-with-over-120-species-of-ferns-inaugurated-in-uttarakhands-ranikhet20210912123922/|access-date=2021-12-21|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=2021-09-12|title=India's largest open air fernery developed in Ranikhet|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/indias-largest-open-air-fernery-developed-in-ranikhet/article36413134.ece|access-date=2021-12-21|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In September, the biggest Palm Garden of North India, displaying around 90 different palm species, was inaugurated in Haldwani.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Prashant Jha|date=Sep 27, 2021|title=Uttarakhand opens its first palm garden, with 100 species, to public {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-opens-its-first-palm-garden-with-100-species-to-public/articleshow/86536563.cms|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand develops biggest palmetum in north India|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/uttarakhand-develops-biggest-palmetum-in-north-india/2167363|access-date=2021-12-21|website=www.outlookindia.com/|language=en}}</ref>
In October, biggest aromatic garden of India, displaying 140 different aromatic species, was inaugurated at Lalkuan. Developed on area of 3 acres, it has 8 different sections and a Tulsi Vatika.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand gets country's largest aromatic garden in Nainital district|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/oct/24/uttarakhand-gets-countrys-largest-aromatic-gardeninnainital-district-2375230.html|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The New Indian Express|date=24 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=India's biggest aromatic garden developed at Lalkuan|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/indias-biggest-aromatic-garden-developed-at-lalkuan/articleshow/87236873.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-12-21}}</ref>
In November, first grass conservatory of India, was got inaugurated in Ranikhet. Spread over an area of 3 acres, it has around 90 different grass species.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India gets first 'Grass Conservatory' in Uttarakhand's Almora district|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/nov/15/india-gets-first-grass-conservatory-in-uttarakhands-almora-district-2383812.html|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The New Indian Express|date=15 November 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Shivani Azad|date=Nov 15, 2021|title=Uttarakhand builds 'India's first' grass conservatory {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-develops-indias-1st-grass-conservatory-at-ranikhet-with-90-species/articleshow/87704347.cms|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In December 2021, first biodiversity gallery of Uttarakhand was inaugurated at Haldwani. Its main feature was 101 icons of flora and fauna to display unexplored aspects of Uttarakhand Biodiversity apart from 8 other sections.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Sonali Mishra|date=Dec 28, 2021 |title=U'khand's first biodiversity gallery opens in Haldwani {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhands-first-biodiversity-gallery-opens-in-haldwani/articleshow/88377922.cms |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand gets first biodiversity icon gallery in Haldwani |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/dec/19/uttarakhand-gets-first-biodiversity-icongallery-in-haldwani-2397411.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The New Indian Express|date=19 December 2021 }}</ref>
In September 2021, a team of research wing of Uttarakhand Forest department discovered a rare carnivorous plant -Utricularia Furcellata, in Mandal valley, which was first reporting of this plant in western Himalaya. The discovery was published in June 2022 issue of prestigious Journal of Japanese Botany.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-25 |title=Rare plant species found in western Himalayan region for first time |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rare-plant-species-western-himalayan-region-dehradun-7990989/ |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
In August 2022, research wing opened first of its kind Himalayan spice garden in Ranikhet. This garden spread over an area of 4 acres, exclusively showcases more than 30 species of Himalayan region.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Shivani Azad|date=Aug 5, 2022 |title=Uttarakhand forest department sets up spice garden to boost sale of spices found in Himalayas {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-forest-department-sets-up-spice-garden-to-boost-sale-of-spices-found-in-himalayas/articleshow/93358483.cms |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2022-08-05 |title=First Himalayan spice garden inaugurated in Uttarakhand's Ranikhet |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/first-himalayan-spice-garden-inaugurated-in-uttarakhand-s-ranikhet-122080500284_1.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-05 |title=First-of-its-kind Himalayan spice garden inaugurated in Ranikhet |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/first-of-its-kind-himalayan-spice-garden-inaugurated-in-ranikhet-badri-tulsi-jambu-leaves-kaala-jeera-jakhya-8072131/ |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
The Himalayan Gentian, a strikingly blue flowering critically endangered medicinal plant of Western Himalayas which was becoming almost extinct and many other threatened species were conserved by developing nursery techniques for their propagation and preparing sufficient number of their plants in Research centers of research wing.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Almost extinct, Himalayan plant with med value blooms again |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/almost-extinct-himalayan-plant-with-med-value-blooms-again/articleshow/104904393.cms#amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=16989017790587&referrer=https://www.google.com |access-date=2024-04-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
First gymnosperm garden of India, having around 25 different gymnosperm species was established in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Country's first Gymnosperm garden established in Uttarkashi's Radi Top |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/countrys-first-gymnosperm-garden-established-in-uttarkashis-radi-top/articleshow/105916393.cms?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=AmpArticleshowicon |access-date=2024-04-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
An initiative was taken by research wing to plant flowering shrubs and trees native to Himalayan region, along roads in hills of Uttarakhand to provide proper habitat and nectar to various pollinators.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-12 |title=Pollinator-friendly hills: Forest dept to plant native flower species on roadside |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/pollinator-friendly-hills-forest-dept-to-plant-native-flower-species-on-roadside/articleshow/105918859.cms |access-date=2024-04-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Under the leadership of Chaturvedi, Research wing successfully conserved, a critically endangered plant species (part of IUCN list) in Nainital district of Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=This IFS officer is on Mission to Save Nainital's 'Miracle' Plant |url=https://indianmasterminds.com/features/change-makers/nainitals-miracle-plant-on-brink-of-extinction-but-hope-blooms/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-01 |title='Critically endangered plant rescued from brink of extinction' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/critically-endangered-plant-rescued-from-brink-of-extinction/articleshow/107309568.cms |access-date=2024-04-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
A popular positive developmental news portal [[The Better India]] appreciated his efforts in protecting large number of threatened and endangered plant species, of Himalayan region in an article published in May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dsouza |first=Krystelle |date=2024-05-13 |title=IFS Officer Is On a Mission to Save Uttarakhand's Endangered Plants; What Makes them Special? |url=https://thebetterindia.com/349417/ifs-officer-sanjeev-chaturvedi-uttarakhand-endangered-plants-conservation-patwa-gentiana-lilium-polyphyllum/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=The Better India |language=en-US}}</ref>
First of its kind Rhododendron Garden was opened in high altitude area of Munsyari in July 2024. Spread over an area of one hectare, it has around 35 different Rhododendron species.<ref>{{Cite news |title=First-of-its-kind garden for state tree rhododendron to open in Pithoragarh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/first-of-its-kind-rhododendron-garden-to-open-in-pithoragarh/articleshow/111702026.cms |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
As per report published in 'The New Indian Express' in March 2025, Research Wing has launched a specific programme for cultivating native plant species favored by birds for feeding, for hilly regions of Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sethi |first=Narendra |date=2025-03-19 |title=Nest for future: Uttarakhand's forests set to flourish with bird-friendly flora |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Mar/19/nest-for-future-uttarakhands-forests-set-to-flourish-with-bird-friendly-flora |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
A Bird gallery, at Dehradun, depicting high resolution images of rich bird diversity of Uttarakhand and first such one in Uttarakhand was opened in July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand opens its first-ever bird gallery in Dehradun |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/uttarakhand-opens-its-first-ever-bird-gallery-in-dehradun20240715102424/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref>
The Research Wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department stablished 42 field based ‘ecological laboratories’ across Uttarakand to monitor long term ecological changes and impact of climate change on the forests of Uttarakhand <ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-17 |title=42 'eco labs' in U'khand to monitor changes in forests |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-launches-42-eco-labs-to-combat-climate-change-effects-on-forests/articleshow/113434324.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
In October 2024, Research Wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department claimed to develop highest altitude Miyawaki forest of world at 8000 ft in Munsyari area of Pithoragarh district. This Miyawaki forest is reported to have many endemic and threatened species of plants like Takeel Palm, Himalayan Yew and species of berberis<ref>{{Citation |title=Invasive Species and Their Impacts on Endemic Ecosystems in China* |date=2008-09-09 |work=Invasive Plants and Forest Ecosystems |pages=173–192 |url=https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420043389-16 |access-date=2025-05-01 |publisher=CRC Press |doi=10.1201/9781420043389-16 |isbn=978-0-429-14214-7|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2024-11-17 |title=Pithoragarh: Forest Developed At 2,450 Metres Altitude Using Miyawaki Technology |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/forest-developed-using-miyawaki-method-in-pithoragarh-enn24111701708 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref>
Uttarakhand Forest Department became first in country in deploying artificial intelligence for preparing working plan, for forests of Uttarakhand on areas of bio-diversity conservation, impact of climate change on vegetation and sustainable forest management. First use of AI tool was made in preparing working plan of Garhwal forest division.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-02 |title=Uttarakhand deploys AI for forest management, says results are encouraging |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/uttarakhand-deploys-ai-for-forest-management-says-results-are-encouraging/articleshow/115884252.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-02 |title=In a first, U'khand forest dept uses AI to prepare Garhwal's working plan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhands-forest-department-pioneers-ai-for-sustainable-management-of-garhwal-forests/articleshow/115908563.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand deploys AI for forest management, says results are encouraging |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/uttarakhand-deploys-ai-for-forest-management-says-results-are-encouraging20241202091651/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref>
Research Wing developed first butterfly gallery of Uttarakhand at Dehradun, which showcases more than 100 different types of butterfly species apart from displaying interesting information about migration of monarch butterflies, mud puddling behavior and life cycle of butterflies<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-04-05 |title=Uttarakhand gets its first butterfly gallery in Doon |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-gets-its-first-butterfly-gallery-in-doon/articleshow/120023325.cms#:~:text=Dehradun:%20The%20Uttarakhand%20forest%20department,display%20of%20their%20unique%20beauty |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand opens its first butterfly gallery in Dehradun; over 100 species displayed |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/uttarakhand-opens-its-first-butterfly-gallery-in-dehradun-over-100-species-displayed20250409090306/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Uttarakhand's first butterfly gallery opens in Dehradun; over 100 species displayed |url=https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/nature-and-wildlife/article/uttarakhand-s-first-butterfly-gallery-opens-in-dehradun-with-over-100-species-displayed-23516021 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Mid-day |language=en}}</ref>
In July, 2025, Research wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department, embarked on an ambitious project of rehabilitation of 14 endangered and threatened plant species to their natural habitat, which was first of its kind in India.<ref>{{cite web | title=U'khand begins reintroduction of 14 rare, endangered plant species into natural habitats | work=The Times of India | date=12 July 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ukhand-begins-reintroduction-of-14-rare-endangered-plant-species-into-natural-habitats/articleshow/122409052.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Uttarakhand leads the way in restoring 14 critically endangered plant species | date=18 July 2025 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jul/18/uttarakhand-leads-the-way-in-restoring-14-critically-endangered-plant-species }}</ref>
In September, 2025, Research Wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department for the first time, published list of more than 160 sacred natural sites which included sacred groves, sacred forests as well as sacred water bodies and meadows, located at high altitudes in Himalaya.<ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1TYjg6g1pJwIAp7e7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763729376/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.newindianexpress.com%2fnation%2f2025%2fSep%2f20%2futtarakhand-weaves-sacred-tapestry-161-ancient-natural-sites-documented/RK=2/RS=FE3nMMsZiDq3BmHefjhUzEHtwkE-</ref><ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1TYjg6g1pJwIAqLe7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1763729376/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2fcity%2fdehradun%2fukhand-forest-dept-identifies-161-sacred-natural-sites%2farticleshow%2f123872836.cms/RK=2/RS=7vJZTP1viCt6IuB7ZgWTaaLfHvg-</ref>
In September, 2025, Research wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department announced a program for celebrating festival of flowering of Rhododendron and Himalayan Cherry, in months of March and October every year on the lines of Cherry festival of Japan.<ref>{{cite web | title=Uttarakhand to celebrate Buransh and Padam flowering festivals on lines of Cherry festival of Japan | url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/uttarakhand-to-celebrate-buransh-and-padam-flowering-festivals-on-lines-of-cherry-festival-of-japan20250908144505 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Taking inspiration from Japan's famous Cherry Blossom festival, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has announced plans to celebrate Buransh and Padam flowering festivals, a press release said | date=15 September 2025 | url=https://newsarenaindia.com/states/uttarakhand-to-host-cherry-blossom-style-flower-festivals/56416 }}</ref>
26 innovative conservation centers developed across the State of Uttarakhand– many of which being the first of their kind in India and even the World, ranging from Munsyari Lichen Garden, Nainital Moss Garden, to Ranikhet forest healing center and Chakarata Cryptogamic Garden, were widely appreciated across the State as well as on National and International level. <ref>https://indianmasterminds.com/feature-stories-on-bureaucrats-changemakers/uttarakhand-forest-department-green-innovation-159268/</ref> <ref>https://newsarenaindia.com/states/u-khand-s-eco-gardens-earn-global-recognition/61665</ref>
=== As Director, UFTA === After transfer from Research wing and availing leave,Sanjiv Chaturvedi joined in January, 2026 as Director, Uttarakhand Forest Training Academy, where he created many new infrastructural and learning facilities for frontline field staff trainees, including state of art nursery, having equipments like latest mist chambers, hydroponics and expanded sports facilities by constructing clay tennis court, indoor game center and also opened a modern cafeteria. He also initiated case study based modules for trainees and introduced special modules on current ecological issues.<ref>https://indianmasterminds.com/news/uttarakhand-forest-training-academy-revamp-under-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-205308/</ref><ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Jan/30/ufta-set-for-five-year-modernisation-to-address-rising-human-wildlife-conflict</ref>
=== Champawat forest scam ===
In September 2017, Chaturvedi was ordered by the Uttarakhand government to investigate irregularities in the Champawat Forest Division. He discovered the illegal cutting of pine trees,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/ex-champawat-dfo-gave-illegal-orders-to-fell-pine-tree-finds-report/story-6hLKlxrOBOzB5FHvKEnuoK.html|title=Ex-Champawat DFO gave illegal orders to fell pine trees, finds report|author=Nihi Sharma|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019052840/https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/ex-champawat-dfo-gave-illegal-orders-to-fell-pine-tree-finds-report/story-6hLKlxrOBOzB5FHvKEnuoK.html|date=18 October 2017|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=live|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> and a resin scam<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/whistleblower-ifs-officer-chaturvedi-blows-lid-off-resin-scam-in-champawat/story-KvphIsRr62pVYZ9Or38lEP.html|title=Whistleblower IFS officer Chaturvedi blows lid off resin scam in Champawat|author=Nihi Sharma|work=Hindustan Times|date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140502/https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/whistleblower-ifs-officer-chaturvedi-blows-lid-off-resin-scam-in-champawat/story-KvphIsRr62pVYZ9Or38lEP.html|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> in which money earmarked for resin collection was diverted. After Chaturvedi's investigation, the state government planned to charge divisional forest officer A. K. Gupta.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/after-chaturvedis-probe-state-to-file-chargesheet-against-dfo/articleshow/62184200.cms|title=After Chaturvedi's probe, state to file chargesheet against DFO|author=Yogesh Kumar|date=20 December 2017|work=Times of India|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> In February 2020, Gupta was suspended.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ifs-officer-suspended-on-charges-of-financial-irregularity/articleshow/74049935.cms|title=IFS officer suspended on charges of 'financial irregularity'|website=The Times of India|date=10 February 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref>
=== Munsyari Eco hut Scam ===
In July, 2025, Uttarakhand Government initiated action against an IFS officer, on basis of a detailed investigation report running into more than 500 pages submitted by Chaturvedi in December, 2024 and January, 2025, regarding massive financial irregularities and violation of forest laws into construction of Eco Huts at Munsyari.<ref>{{cite web | title=Notice to ex-DFO over 'Irregularities' in construction of eco-huts in Munsyari | work=The Times of India | date=26 July 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/notice-to-ex-dfo-over-irregularities-in-construction-of-eco-huts-in-munsyari/articleshow/122926340.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Uttarakhand Eco Tourism Scam: Report Alleges Loot, State Looks Away | Uttarakhand eco-tourism scam in fragile Munsiyari forests exposes illegal constructions, revenue diversion, and government inaction despite central orders | date=24 August 2025 | url=https://theprobe.in/eco-guardians/uttarakhand-eco-tourism-scam-report-alleges-loot-state-looks-away-9727125 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Press Trust of India | url=https://www.ptinews.com/editor-detail/Show-cause-notice-issued-to-Uttarakhand-forest-officer-for--major-financial-irregularities-/2757237 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=IFS officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi exposes massive irregularities in Pithoragarh | website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] | date=26 July 2025 | url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/ifs-officer-sanjeev-chaturvedi-exposes-massive-irregularities-in-pithoragarh-1503462975.html }}</ref> Later, in August, 2025, Central Government also, on the basis of report sent by Chaturvedi, took tough stand in the matter and asked Uttarakhand Government to appoint an officer for prosecution of guilty officers in violation of forest laws.<ref>{{cite web | title=Probe ordered into 'illegal construction' of eco-huts in Munsyari reserve forest in Pithoragarh | work=The Times of India | date=19 August 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/probe-ordered-into-illegal-construction-of-eco-huts-in-munsyari-reserve-forest-in-pithoragarh/articleshow/123386221.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Centre cracks down on illegal eco huts in Munsiyari | date=20 August 2025 | url=https://newsarenaindia.com/states/centre-cracks-down-on-illegal-eco-huts-in-munsiyari/53839 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=On whistle-blower officer's report, Centre asks for action against minister's son-in-law | url=https://www.indianmandarins.com/news/on-whistle-blower-officer-s-report-centre-asks-for-action-against-minister-s-son-in-law-/31296 }}</ref>
=== Missing boundary pillars of Mussoorie ===
In June and August, 2025, Chaturvedi submitted a detailed investigation report about 7375 number of missing boundary pillars, in Mussoorie Forest Division and asked for an impartial investigation by SIT or through CBI and ED, in view of deep nexus of local officers with politicians. As per his report, most of pillars were in Mussoorie and Raipur Ranges, which were always eyed by hoteliers and real estate developers.<ref>{{cite web | title=7,375 boundary pillars missing in Mussoorie forests | work=The Times of India | date=25 August 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/7375-boundary-pillars-missing-in-mussoorie-forests/articleshow/123508060.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Mussoorie Forest Scam: Boundary Pillars Vanish, Mafia Gains Ground | Mussoorie forest scam reveals 7,375 missing boundary pillars, land mafia encroachment, and official collusion, raising alarms for India's green cover | date=20 September 2025 | url=https://theprobe.in/environment/mussoorie-forest-scam-boundary-pillars-vanish-mafia-gains-ground-10480033 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Massive forest land encroachment as boundary pillars found missing in Mussoorie hills | website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] | date=25 August 2025 | url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/massive-forest-land-encroachment-as-boundary-pillars-found-missing-in-mussoorie-hills-1503476504.html }}</ref> On his report, again Central Government, in August, 2025, asked Uttarakhand Government to take actions against violators of forest laws.<ref>{{cite web | title=Centre orders probe over 7k missing boundary pillars in Mussoorie forests | work=The Times of India | date=8 September 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/centre-orders-probe-over-7k-missing-boundary-pillars-in-mussoorie-forests/articleshow/123770354.cms }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Centre orders probe into 7,375 missing Mussoorie forest pillars | date=9 September 2025 | url=https://newsarenaindia.com/states/centre-orders-probe-into-7-375-missing-mussoorie-forest-pillars/55793 }}</ref>
In December 2025, Uttarakhand High Court, in an important order, issued notices to Central Government, Uttarakhand Government and CBI, for filing reply and expressed surprise about rapid rise in wealth of Forest Officials so quickly. <ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/how-did-forest-officials-get-so-rich-so-quickly-hc-asks-makes-centre-ukhand-govts-sc-panel-cbi-party-in-plea/articleshow/126164294.cms</ref> <ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/missing-case-of-forest-boundary-pillars-uttarakhand-hc-issues-notices-to-cbi-centre-state-101766574507092.html</ref> <ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Dec/24/uttarakhand-hc-seeks-cbi-response-over-missing-forest-boundary-pillars-officers-alleged-wealth-surge</ref> <ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-7000-forest-boundary-pillars-missing-in-mussoorie-uttarakhand-high-court-seeks-centres-response-10437754/</ref>
=== Miyawaki Cost over run ===
In June, 2025, Chaturvedi flagged issue of over costing and financial irregularities in Miyawaki plantation project in Dehradun. As per his report, in the same District, he had raised the same Miyawaki plantation with much less cost per hectare and per plant in year 2019-2023, which led to an enquiry by State forest Minister.<ref>{{cite web | title=IFS officer red-flags 'country's costliest' Miyawaki project | work=The Times of India | date=19 June 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ifs-officer-red-flags-countrys-costliest-miyawaki-project/articleshow/121959469.cms }}</ref>
=== Arbitrator === {{anchor|As arbitrator}}
In January 2018, the Chandigarh Housing Board appointed Chaturvedi arbitrator of a construction dispute. In March 2019, he donated his fee to a welfare fund for families of [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]] personnel killed in the [[2019 Pulwama attack|Pulwama attack]] the previous month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sanjiv-chaturvedi-donates-arbitration-fee-to-bereaved-families-of-pulwama-attack-2008828|title=Whistleblower Bureaucrat Donates Arbitration Fee To Pulwama Attack Victims|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-04-29}}</ref>
=== Corbett Tiger Reserve director === {{anchor|As director of Corbett Tiger Reserve}}
Chaturvedi was director of the [[Jim Corbett National Park|Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve]] in May and June 2019. During his tenure, he conducted a study indicating that tigers killed about 13 elephants monthly for a five-year period; nine tigers and five leopards were also killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/telling-numbers-are-tigers-killing-elephants-a-check-list-by-corbett-authorities-5797841/|title=Are tigers, elephants and leopards killing one another in Corbett?|date=2019-06-25|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thelogicalindian.com/news/elephant-tiger-killing/|title=Tigers Eating Elephants In Corbett National Park! Study Points To A Shocking Trend In The Animal Kingdom|date=2019-06-18|website=The Logical Indian|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tigers-killing-and-eating-elephants-in-corbett-national-park-government-study-reveals-worrying-phenomenon/articleshow/69811871.cms|title=Tigers killing and eating elephants in Corbett National Park: Government study reveals worrying phenomenon|date=16 June 2019|agency=PTI|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tigers-elephants-corbett-national-park-govt-study-1550103-2019-06-16|title=Tigers killing, eating elephants in Corbett National Park: Govt study reveals worrying phenomenon|agency=Press Trust of India |date=June 16, 2019 |magazine=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> An order was issued banning VIP treatment and safaris for executive and judiciary officials.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/ending-vip-culture-in-corbett-corbett-tiger-reserve-issues-order-it-will-no-longer-entertain-any-requests-for-safari-trips-or-stay-in-corbettstrap-such-requests-will-be-reported-to-higher-authorities-of-such-offices-for-action-against-them/story-Y70fsZJ8mkqAqeOHXojqpI.html|title=Corbett not to entertain safari requests, stay in tiger reserve by VIPs|date=2019-06-19|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/vip-stay-not-a-possibility-at-corbett-tiger-reserve-now/articleshow/69891993.cms|title='VIP Stay' not a possibility at Corbett Tiger Reserve now|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/battling-staff-crunch-corbett-says-no-to-vip-requests/articleshow/69847949.cms|title=Battling staff crunch, Corbett says no to 'VIP requests'|date=19 June 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/no-more-vip-stay-at-corbett-tiger-reserve-as-authorities-slam-brazen-abuse-of-power-2192041.html|title=No More 'VIP stay' at Corbett Tiger Reserve as Authorities Slam 'Brazen Abuse' of Power|website=News18|date=18 June 2019|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> A crackdown was launched on fake websites using the reserve's name, and closure notices were issued to about fifteen websites for legal violations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/corbett-authorities-crack-whip-on-fake-companies-running-night-stay-safari-bookings-serve-notice-to-15-firms/articleshow/69879872.cms|title=Corbett authorities crack whip on fake companies running night stay & safari bookings, serve notice to 15 firms|date=21 June 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/corbett-tiger-reserve-issues-legal-notices-to-15-websites-for-using-its-name-to-mislead-tourists/story-4Z9EaPo7NFibrkCdijBfhJ.html|title=Corbett Tiger Reserve issues legal notices to 15 websites for using its name to mislead tourists|date=2019-06-21|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/corbett-tiger-reserve-website-notice-uttarakhand-1552637-2019-06-20|title=Notices to 15 websites fraudulently using Corbett tiger reserve's name|agency=Press Trust of India |date=June 20, 2019 |magazine=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/notices-to-15-websites-fraudulently-using-corbett-tiger-reserves-name-2196759.html|title=Notices to 15 Websites Fraudulently Using Corbett Tiger Reserve's Name|website=News18|date=20 June 2019|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> An order was passed to facilitate booking for ordinary tourists.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/corbett-reserve-bookings-should-be-made-hassle-free-says-admin/articleshow/69918628.cms|title=Corbett reserve bookings should be made hassle-free, says admin|date=24 June 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/corbett-tiger-reserve-admin-writes-to-forest-dept-seeking-closure-of-dhikala-zone-for-night-stay/articleshow/69908749.cms|title=Corbett Tiger Reserve administration writes to forest department seeking closure of Dhikala zone for night stay|date=23 June 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> A new zone was proposed for tourists, including portions of the Ram Ganga river in the reserve.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/photos-corbett-plans-to-open-ramganga-for-water-tourism/articleshow/69864220.cms|title=Photos: Corbett plans to open Ramganga for water tourism|date=20 June 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> A proposal was made for the use of tourism revenue from tiger reserve for local people (as ordered in guidelines issued by National Tiger Conservation Authority) and shared access for nearby hotels and resorts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/allocate-revenue-from-corbett-for-locals-welfare/articleshow/69897271.cms|title='Allocate revenue from Corbett for locals' welfare'|date=22 June 2019|first=Vineet|last=Upadhyay|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-poor-living-around-jim-corbett-reserve-deprived-of-welfare-funds-529392|title=Poor living around Corbett reserve deprived of welfare funds|last=Jaiswal|first=Priya|date=2019-06-23|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> A fossil museum was proposed after the discovery of a two-million-year-old elephant fossil in the reserve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/elephant-fossil-found-in-corbett-believed-to-be-2-million-years-old/story-COtunwB4ndfYZCy8zMqy1H.html|title=Elephant fossil found in Corbett believed to be 2 million years old|date=2019-06-24|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> In November 2021,Sanjiv Chaturvedi was appointed as Enquiry officer to enquire into charges of large scale violations of forest and wildlife laws and charges of illicit felling into construction works in Corbett Tiger Reserve.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-05 |title=IFS officer to probe illegal constructions, felling of trees in Corbett reserve |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/whistleblower-asked-to-probe-constructions-felling-of-trees-in-corbett-reserve-101636111274351.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Shivani Azad|date=Nov 7, 2021 |title=Day after IFS Sanjiv Chaturvedi asked to probe illegal construction in Corbett, park admin starts demolishing unauthorised concrete structures {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/day-after-ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedi-asked-to-probe-illegal-construction-in-corbett-park-admin-starts-demolishing-unauthorised-concrete-structures/articleshow/87559833.cms |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> However, he withdrew himself from Enquiry subsequently citing 'contradictory statements of senior state government functionaries over his appointment and asked that in future he may be appointed to enquire into any corruption case only if State Government and Department have real intentions to actually punish the real culprits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Magsaysay Awardee Sanjeev Chaturvedi Quits Corbett Park Corruption Probe |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ramon-magsaysay-awardee-sanjeev-chaturvedi-quits-corbett-park-corruption-probe-2604136 |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-09 |title=Illegal activities at Corbett: IFS officer withdraws from investigation |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/corbett-tiger-reserve-whistleblower-ifs-officer-withdraws-from-investigation-101636457646869.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IFS officer and Magsaysay award recipient Chaturvedi withdraws from Corbett probe |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/nov/09/ifs-officer-and-magsaysay-award-recipient-chaturvedi-withdraws-from-corbett-probe-2381368.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The New Indian Express|date=10 November 2021 }}</ref>
=== Issues with election commissioner === {{anchor|Issues with Election Commissioner}}
In December 2019, election commissioner [[Ashok Lavasa]] wrote an [[op-ed]] article in an English-language newspaper on the difficulty of being honest. In response to the article, Chaturvedi wrote a lengthy rebuttal citing Lavasa's handling of his deputation to the Delhi government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/ashok-lavasas-honesty-op-ed-complete-travesty-faced-harassment-during-his-tenure-as-union-secretary-claims-sanjay-chaturvedi-7928041.html|title=Ashok Lavasa's honesty op-ed 'complete travesty', faced harassment during his tenure as Union Secretary, claims Sanjay Chaturvedi|website=Firstpost|date=19 January 2020|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> Citing court orders passed against the handling of his case by Lavasa, Chaturvedi called his article a "complete travesty".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jan/19/election-commissioner-ashok-lavasas-op-ed-complete-travesty-sanjiv-chaturvedi-2091671.html|title=Election commissioner Ashok Lavasa's op-ed 'complete travesty': Sanjiv Chaturvedi|website=The New Indian Express|date=19 January 2020 |access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> In a February 2020 story, the ''[[HuffPost|Huffington Post]]'' cited Lavasa's handling of Chaturvedi's case in attempts by the central government to prevent his transfer to the Delhi government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/how-modi-stopped-kejriwal-from-appointing-anti-corruption-officer-in-his-office_in_5e3ab58ac5b6d032e76c9ca0|title=How Modi Stopped Kejriwal From Appointing Anti-Corruption Officer In His Office|date=2020-02-06|website=HuffPost India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref>
=== Challenge to system of lateral entry and 360 degree appraisal === In August 2020, Nainital Bench of CAT, issued notices on petition of Chaturvedi, challenging lateral entry of private sector experts, at the level of Joint Secretary in Central Government and system of 360 degree appraisal.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-24 |title=Whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi moves CAT against lateral entry into govt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/whistleblower-sanjiv-chaturvedi-moves-cat-against-lateral-entry-into-govt/articleshow/77708135.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> An investigative report by ‘India Today’, showed that there were serious objections raised by officials of Department of Personnel and Training on various anomalies in selection of these experts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-28 |title=Exclusive: How anomalies flagged by babus went unheard in recruitment of Joint Secretaries via lateral entry |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/joint-secretaries-recruitment-lateral-entry-anomalies-1716282-2020-08-28 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> In December 2020, on petition of central government, hearing of case was transferred, by Chairman of CAT, to Delhi Bench. Chaturvedi challenged this order before Uttarakhand High Court, which gave judgment in favor of Chaturvedi, in October 2021 setting aside orders of CAT, Chairman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2021-10-31 |title=Uttarakhand HC sets aside CAT order on case transfer |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2021/Oct/31/uttarakhand-hc-sets-aside-cat-order-oncase-transfer-2377815.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Prashant |date=2021-10-30 |title=Uttarakhand High Court sets aside CAT principal Bench order allowing Centre's plea to transfer case from Nainital to Delhi |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/uttarakhand-high-court-sets-aside-cat-principal-bench-order-allowing-centres-plea-to-transfer-case-from-nainital-to-delhi |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news |language=en}}</ref>
However, orders of High Court were again challenged by Central Government before Supreme Court, which reserved orders in April 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyay |first=Vineet |date=2022-02-22 |title=Supreme Court issues notice to IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, stays Uttarakhand HC orders |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/Feb/22/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-stays-uttarakhand-hc-orders-2422450.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Finally in March 2023, a division bench of Supreme Court, headed by Justice M.R Shah, referred the matter to a larger bench<ref>{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2023-03-04 |title=SC refers IFS Sanjiv Chaturvedi's case to a larger bench |url=https://theprint.in/india/sc-refers-ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedis-case-to-a-larger-bench/1418642/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hazarika |first=Abhimanyu |date=2023-03-04 |title=Supreme Court larger bench to examine territorial jurisdiction of High Courts to decide challenge to CAT principal bench orders |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-larger-bench-examine-territorial-jurisdiction-high-courts-decide-challenge-cat-principal-bench-orders |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news |language=en}}</ref>
In a significant development, in October 2023, in a petition filed by Chaturvedi challenging his non-empanelment at the level of Joint Secretary, by Central Government, without disclosing any reason, Department of Personnel and Training, in its affidavit before CAT, Nainital Bench, asserted that there exists no system of 360 degree appraisal. This was viewed to be very surprising.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=Business |title=No 360-degree system for appraisal of civil servants, says DoPT to CAT |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/no-360-degree-system-for-appraisal-of-civil-servants-says-dopt-to-cat-123103000746_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113132441/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/no-360-degree-system-for-appraisal-of-civil-servants-says-dopt-to-cat-123103000746_1.html |archive-date=13 November 2024 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-30 |title=DoPT tells tribunal there is no system of 360 degree appraisal for empanelment of govt officials |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-system-of-360-appraisal-exists-dopt-tells-cat/articleshow/104806639.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
In a significant ruling in September 2024, Uttarakhand High Court, hearing a petition of Chaturvedi, ordered Central Government to disclose him all the documents related to his appraisal of non-empanelment by Central Government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Moushumi Das |date=2024-09-06 |title=Why an Uttarakhand HC order may put Centre in a spot over contentious 360-degree appraisal process |url=https://theprint.in/india/why-an-uttarakhand-hc-order-may-put-centre-in-a-spot-over-contentious-360-degree-appraisal-process/2256132/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-06 |title=It may set a precedent, say bureaucrats |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/it-may-set-a-precedent-say-bureaucrats/articleshow/113104763.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> After non compliance by Central Government, Chaturvedi filed a contempt petition against Vivek Joshi, the then Secretary, DoP&T, in October 2024, on which Uttarakhand High Court issued contempt notices to Vivek Joshi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=ThePrint |date=2024-10-27 |title=A 360-degree problem for Modi govt & why attendance is down at standing committee meets |url=https://theprint.in/pre-truth/a-360-degree-problem-for-modi-govt-why-attendance-is-down-at-standing-committee-meets/2330098/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-29 |title=U'khand HC's contempt notice to DoPT secy over Chaturvedi's plea |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/uttarakhand-hc-serves-contempt-notice-to-dopt-secretary-vivek-joshi-over-sanjiv-chaturvedis-plea/articleshow/114708510.cms |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
A report by ‘Indian Express’ in January 2025, tried to cover the timeline of entire legal journey of this challenge, running from CAT to Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-28 |title=Govt's lateral entry scheme: Politics stalled it, now case awaits legal process |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/govts-lateral-entry-scheme-politics-stalled-it-now-case-awaits-legal-process-9802729/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
In December 2025, Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T), filed an affidavit before Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), in another empanelment case of Sanjiv Chaturvedi, in which it requested that Tribunal’s earlier directions passed in May 2025, regarding disclosure of 360-degree appraisal should be withdrawn. This was a complete change from stand taken by DoP&T in October, 2023 before the Tribunal, as per which there was ‘no such system’ of 360-degree appraisal for empanelment, in the Central Government. <ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/sanjiv-chaturvedi-empanelment-case-centre-seeks-recall-of-cat-order-directing-disclosure-of-appraisal-norms/articleshow/125971488.cms?utm_source=app&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=social_share</ref> <ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Dec/14/u-turn-on-appraisal-centre-cites-secrecy-on-360-degree-review-after-earlier-denial</ref>
=== In Person Appearances === In September 2021 a division bench of Uttarakhand High Court led by Chief Justice, in a detailed order, allowed Sanjiv Chaturvedi to argue his case in person. In the order, High Court appreciated his ‘legal knowledge’, ‘critical analysis of law’, and ‘erudite arguments’ and said that court has reached to the conclusion that both on facts as well as law points, he is in a position to argue his own case in person.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand HC allows whistleblower officer to argue his own case|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/sep/29/uttarakhand-hc-allows-whistleblower-officer-to-argue-his-own-case-2365257.html|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The New Indian Express|date=29 September 2021 }}</ref>
Later on, in October 2021, Sanjiv Chaturvedi won main case, arguing against Central Government regarding issue concerned to his service matter.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Prashant|title=Uttarakhand High Court sets aside CAT principal Bench order allowing Centre's plea to transfer case from Nainital to Delhi|url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/uttarakhand-high-court-sets-aside-cat-principal-bench-order-allowing-centres-plea-to-transfer-case-from-nainital-to-delhi|access-date=2021-12-21|website=Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news|date=30 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Legally unsustainable': Uttarakhand HC sets aside CAT order in IFS officer's plea|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/oct/31/legally-unsustainable-uttarakhand-hc-sets-aside-cat-order-in-ifs-officers-plea-2377806.html|access-date=2021-12-21|website=The New Indian Express|date=31 October 2021 }}</ref>
=== Transparency in Judiciary === State Information Commission of Uttarakhand in a landmark order passed on January, 1st, on an Appeal filed by Sanjiv Chaturvedi in May, 2025, ordered Uttarakhand High Court to disclose the information regarding pending complaints of corruption and misconduct against subordinate judges for a period from January, 2020 to April, 2025, along with number of cases in which action was initiated against such erring judges. Public Information Officer of Uttarakhand High Court had denied the information saying that this was confidential and involved third parties. Rejecting this ground, Chief Information Commissioner of Uttarakhand directed Uttarakhand High Court to disclose the information. This was a very significant order for transparency in judicial administration, as earlier Delhi High Court, Chennai High Court and Chhattisgarh High Courts had declined similar information. <ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/uttarakhand-information-commission-ordered-disclosure-of-judicial-data-10468612/</ref> <ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/state-information-panel-directs-hc-to-share-rti-data-on-judges/articleshow/126490283.cms</ref> <ref>https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr1Sfpr7_lpdgIAbRu7HAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNzZzMEcG9zAzUEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1779197036/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.newindianexpress.com%2fnation%2f2026%2fJan%2f13%2futtarakhand-sic-orders-disclosure-of-complaints-against-lower-judiciary/RK=2/RS=kcIRn7WJPGjuJHOUApJ9J.wwLX0-</ref>
After the direction of State Information Commissioner, Uttarakhand High Court disclosed the data, in February 2026, as per which in the period between January, 2020 and April, 2025, around 258 complaints were received out of which action was initiated only in four cases. <ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-hc-got-258-complaints-against-subordinate-judges-since-2020-action-taken-against-4-rti/amp_articleshow/128519681.cms</ref> <ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/nation/2026/Feb/19/landmark-rti-disclosure-258-complaints-against-uttarakhand-judicial-officers-since-2020</ref> <ref>https://www.news9live.com/india/uttarakhand-hc-first-in-india-to-disclose-complaints-against-judges-258-cases-reported-4-officers-face-action-2933223</ref>
== Awards and recognition ==
* [[Shanmugam Manjunath#Manjunath Shanmugam Integrity Award|Manjunath Shanmugam Integrity Award]] (2009), for his work in Haryana<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/3-nominees-share-manjunath-award/article1-421225.aspx |title=3 nominees share Manjunath award |access-date=13 February 2015 |archive-date=17 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217111519/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/3-nominees-share-manjunath-award/article1-421225.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> * S. R. Jindal Prize (2011) for his "crusade against corruption"<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.sitaramjindalfoundation.org/photos.php?id=10|title=GALLERY IMAGES - Jindal Prize & SJF Prize 2011}}</ref> * [[Ramon Magsaysay Award]] for leadership (2015): for "his exemplary integrity, courage and tenacity in uncompromisingly exposing and painstakingly investigating corruption in public office, and his resolute crafting of program and system improvements to ensure that government honorably serves the people of India."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sanjiv-Chaturvedi-Anshu-Gupta-win-Ramon-Magsaysay-Award/articleshow/48262406.cms |title=Sanjiv Chaturvedi, Anshu Gupta win Ramon Magsaysay Award |date=29 July 2015 |newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref>
=== Philanthropy ===
Chaturvedi donated his Magsaysay Award to the AIIMS for treatment of poor patients.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Magsaysay-award-winner-Sanjiv-Chaturvedi-donates-all-money-for-the-care-of-poor-patients-at-AIIMS/articleshow/49055984.cms| title=Magsaysay award winner Sanjiv Chaturvedi donates all money for the care of poor patients at AIIMS | date=22 October 2015 | author=Durgesh Nandan Jha }}</ref> AIIMS returned his check in November 2015, and he wrote another check to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) with a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing J. P. Nadda of bias against him.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/aiims-wont-have-either-chaturvedi-or-his-prize-money-276067-2015-12-07 | title=AIIMS won't have either Sanjiv Chaturvedi or his prize money | date=8 February 2015 | author=Astha Saxena }}</ref> The Prime Minister's Office initially rejected the donation, saying that it could not accept donations with conditions, but accepted it after Chaturvedi clarified that he had not imposed any conditions.<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pmo-accepts-award-money-donated-by-whistle-blower-officer-1262132 PMO Accepts Award Money Donated By Whistle-Blower Officer]</ref>
Sanjiv Chaturvedi, apart from donating Raman Magsaysay Award money in 2015, also donated 9 years of various tour allowances, which were due to him, on account of various tours made to remote parts of Uttarakhand for his various conservation projects and which amounted to more than Rs. 3 Lac, in April, 2026. Earlier in year 2015 also he had donated amount of Rs. 2.5 Lac, granted in Anticorruption award to a needy family. Before that, in February, 2019, he had donated his Arbitration fee, due from Chandigarh Housing Board, amounting around Rs. 2.4 Lac, to a special fund created by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), for the help of families of victims of Pulwama terror attack. In August, 2019, he had donated amount of Rs. 25 K, awarded by High Court of Uttarakhand, in a successful litigation against Central Government. <ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/whistleblower-ifs-officer-donates-rs-3l-travel-allowance-to-cm-relief-fund/articleshow/130423710.cms</ref> <ref>https://www.news9live.com/india/integrity-unbroken-after-magsaysay-award-donation-uttarakhand-ifs-officer-gives-tour-allowances-to-cm-relief-fund-2956012?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign</ref> <ref>https://thecsrjournal.in/ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-contributes-%E2%82%B93-lakh-to-uttarakhand-cm-relief-fund/</ref> <ref>https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ifs-officer-donates-tour-allowance-worth-rs-3-lakh-to-uttarakhand-cm-relief-fund202604131</ref> <ref>https://indianmasterminds.com/news/ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedi-donation-uttarakhand-cm-relief-fund-197564/</ref>
=== As a Role Model ===
Chaturvedi has been invited by the [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy]] in Hyderabad, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administrative in Mussoorie, and Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun to lecture senior officers and probationers on anti-corruption strategies.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Siwach |first=Sukhbir |date=17 July 2012 |title=Whistleblower hot choice to speak up against corruption |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Whistleblower-hot-choice-to-speak-up-against-corruption/articleshow/15018800.cms }}</ref>
Case study of Sanjiv Chaturvedi, has been made part of Ethics paper, in UPSC, Civil Services examination as part of General Studies paper IV (Ethic, Integrity and Aptitude), across study material of all the reputed coaching institutes, traversing his career journey in his tenures at Haryana, Delhi and Uttarakhand, on themes of Integrity, courage, whistleblowing, ethical leadership and public interest over career security. <ref>https://newsarenaindia.com/states/ifs-officer-sanjiv-chaturvedi-now-a-civil-services-case-study/72123</ref> <ref>https://indianmasterminds.com/news/sanjiv-chaturvedi-upsc-ethics-case-study-gs4-191187/</ref> <ref>https://legendofficers.com/whistleblower-ifs-sanjiv-chaturvedi-emerges-as-standard-ethics-case-study-for-gs-4-upsc-material/</ref> <ref>https://www.indianmandarins.com/news/from-field-to-syllabus-more-than-a-headline-upsc-coaching-classes-induct-whistle-blower-officer-as-essential-in-public-service-morality/32209</ref>
==See also== * [[Vijay Shankar Pandey]], whistle blower IAS * [[Anil Swarup]], IAS * [[Ashok Khemka]], whistle blower IAS from Haryana cadre
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{RMA winners of India}} {{Indian civil servants}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chaturvedi, Sanjiv}} [[Category:1974 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Indian civil servants]] [[Category:Indian government officials]] [[Category:Ramon Magsaysay Award winners]] [[Category:Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology alumni]] [[Category:University of Allahabad alumni]] [[Category:Uttarakhand cadre civil servants]]