Pradeep Atri’s reported NHAI directory listing has raised questions after the Supreme Court quashed his absorption into Haryana PWD
New Delhi: The reported presence of Pradeep Atri’s name in the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) online officer directory has raised questions about administrative transparency following a Supreme Court judgment that declared his deputation to Haryana’s Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads) illegal.
The Supreme Court delivered its ruling on August 18, 2026, in Hemant Kumar & Others v. State of Haryana (2026 INSC 878). It declared Atri’s deputation illegal and quashed his absorption into Haryana PWD along with the absorption of three other officers.
The bench comprising Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan directed all four officers to return to the Development and Panchayat Department, their parent department. The Court also held that their absorption into the PWD (Buildings and Roads) Department was illegal, non est and void.
The judgment examined whether the officers’ deputation and absorption complied with the applicable service rules. It concluded that the process followed in their cases could not support their permanent absorption into Haryana PWD.
A press release issued on November 10 has now questioned whether NHAI has reviewed Atri’s subsequent association with the authority. It claims that his name continues to appear in the online officer directory under the Gandhinagar Regional Office.
The release also refers to his earlier association with NHAI in Chandigarh and subsequent public reporting identifying him as the authority’s Regional Officer in Jaipur. His current designation and posting, however, require confirmation from NHAI.
The matter raises several administrative questions. Has the Haryana government implemented the Supreme Court’s repatriation direction? Has it informed NHAI about the judgment? Has NHAI reviewed Atri’s service records and the legal basis of his reported posting?
The judgment directly addresses Atri’s deputation and absorption in Haryana PWD. It does not automatically settle his separate service position within NHAI. The authority would need to examine the applicable rules and records before determining whether the ruling affects his current assignment.
The press release has called on NHAI to disclose Atri’s current designation and posting, clarify the action taken after the Supreme Court judgment and examine the relevant service records. It has also urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to seek a time-bound report from the authority.
The issue highlights the importance of transparent administrative decisions in public institutions. Clear communication from the concerned authorities would help establish whether they have considered the judgment and what steps, if any, they have taken.
