In a rare and poignant case, a senior Government of India officer is set to retire tomorrow — the last day of October 2025 — after spending twelve long years on a daily fast, protesting what he calls the denial of promotion and the delay in implementing a court order.

Harendra Pratap Singh, an officer of the Indian Enterprise Development Service (IEDS) under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), will retire from the post of Joint Director. Since January 30, 2014, he has been observing a nirjala upvaas — a waterless fast — every day during office hours as a form of peaceful protest. According to sources, he intends to continue his fast even after retirement.

As per the Delhi High Court’s judgment dated August 31, 2022, Mr. Singh’s seniority, batch, and promotion were to be revised. However, despite the Supreme Court having already ruled in his favor, the court’s directions have yet to be fully implemented. Adding to the confusion, the arrears of payment due to him remain in dispute.

While the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) has paid Mr. Singh ₹84,000 as arrears, the ministry informed the Supreme Court that ₹2.5 lakh had been processed in his name — revealing a clear mismatch in official communication and action.

The officer’s retirement, coinciding with Vigilance Awareness Week, has drawn unusual attention in government circles. With his promotion still pending, Mr. Singh’s pension has also been withheld, and his papers remain incomplete.

Special Report by Manjari