IDRA Recruitment Suspended Following Court Order

The ongoing recruitment process of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) has been immediately suspended following a formal court notice filed by four of its officers. The notice asserts that the current recruitment activities directly conflict with a High Court directive issued in 2023. The officers have demanded written assurance from the authority within 24 hours confirming compliance with the court’s order.

The notice was served to the Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, the Ministry of Finance, the Chairman of IDRA, and the administrative members of the authority. Legal representation for the four officers was provided by Advocate Rahul Talukdar Parag.

The officers who filed the notice are:

The notice references the High Court ruling of 3 December 2023, which declared the IDRA Officer and Staff Service Regulations, 2021, null and void. As a result, the officers have demanded the immediate suspension, cancellation, and withdrawal of the current recruitment process. They have also requested a written report within 24 hours detailing the status of the recruitment, in accordance with Writ Petition No. 13139/2019, and instructions to prevent violations of officers’ rights.

Failure to comply with the notice may result in:

Contempt of court proceedings against responsible officials.

New writ petitions challenging the recruitment process.

Disciplinary, civil, and criminal actions against involved individuals.

Claims for compensation and legal costs arising from violation of fundamental rights.

IDRA had announced 19 vacancies across six positions on 23 April 2025. The preliminary selection meeting was held on 19 January, finalising six candidates for Grades 6 and 7. Written examinations were scheduled for 31 January, followed by oral examinations on 1 February.

Vacancies and Selection Method:

The selection committee comprised the IDRA Chairman (as Chair), a Joint Secretary (as Secretary), the Executive Director, a representative from the Financial Institutions Division, and a Public Service Commission representative. Notably, no representative from the Ministry of Public Administration was present.

Following the court notice, IDRA’s recruitment process remains suspended, pending a comprehensive review and alignment with government recruitment policies and judicial directives.