Delhi High Court Upholds Reinstatement of Senior Police Officer Amid Allegations

The Delhi High Court has upheld the reinstatement of Gurjinder Pal Singh, a former additional director general of police in Chhattisgarh, who was compulsorily retired over alleged criminal activities. The court dismissed the Centre's challenge, stating no adverse findings in Singh's service record warranted compulsory retirement.

The Delhi High Court has confirmed the reinstatement of Gurjinder Pal Singh, the former additional director general of police in Chhattisgarh, overturning his earlier compulsory retirement. Singh faced allegations of corruption, extortion, and sedition, leading to his removal.

A bench led by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait dismissed the Centre's challenge to the Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) order that overturned Singh's compulsory retirement and mandated his reinstatement with benefits. The court found no adverse evidence in Singh's service record to justify his forced retirement.

The Centre had contended that Singh's retirement was in public interest, pointing to service rules and multiple FIRs against him. However, the High Court noted that the departmental proceedings against Singh had been improperly managed and that the CAT had rightly taken serious note of this in its decision.

The court highlighted that the FIRs against Singh had been stayed by the Chhattisgarh High Court but were used by authorities to expedite his retirement process. Additionally, delays in appointing an enquiry officer and reopening proceedings without fresh evidence were cited as harassment tactics against Singh.

In related proceedings, Singh has alleged that the Chhattisgarh government used its machinery to tarnish his reputation and falsely implicate former government officials, which he believes is retribution for not providing illegal favours.