Raipur: A young Indian Police Service (IPS) officer serving in Chhattisgarh has alleged victimisation and discrimination by the state administration, claiming that his constitutional right to equal opportunity has been violated by repeatedly denying him promotion despite seniority and a clean service record.
The officer, Dharmendra Singh Chhavai, a 2012-batch IPS officer currently posted as Superintendent of Police (SP), Kawardha, has written a detailed letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing anguish over being consistently overlooked for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
“Selective Justice and Arbitrariness”: Officer’s Allegations
In his letter, Chhavai states that his exclusion from promotion lists issued between October 2024 and July 2025 has caused him deep emotional distress and professional demoralisation. He claims that despite fulfilling all eligibility criteria, including seniority and an unblemished service record, his name was repeatedly omitted.
Describing the situation as a result of selective justice and administrative arbitrariness, the Kawardha SP said he finds it difficult to understand why he alone has been singled out while similarly placed officers have been promoted.
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Promotion to DIG Rank at the Centre of Dispute
The officer’s grievance centres around the denial of promotion to the DIG rank, which he says has stalled his career progression unjustly. Chhavai maintains that there is no disciplinary action, suspension, or criminal case pending against him that would legally justify withholding his promotion.
Administration Cites Pending Lokayukta Probe
The state administration, however, has defended its decision by citing a pending Lokayukta investigation in Bhopal as the reason for keeping Chhavai’s promotion on hold.
The officer has rejected this explanation, calling it an administrative pretext rather than a valid legal ground for denial of promotion.
Officer Cites MHA Guidelines to Support His Claim
To substantiate his argument, Chhavai has referred to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 15, 1999. According to these guidelines, promotions cannot be withheld unless an officer:
- Is under suspension
- Has been served a charge sheet
- Is facing a criminal trial
The IPS officer contends that none of these conditions apply to him, making the denial of promotion arbitrary and unlawful.
Alleged Violation of Article 16 of the Constitution
Chhavai has alleged that the denial of promotion amounts to a violation of Article 16 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
In his letter, he points out that other officers facing more serious allegations, including cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, have been promoted, while his career has been stalled merely due to a preliminary investigation.
Emotional and Professional Impact Highlighted
The Kawardha SP has candidly spoken about the emotional and psychological toll of repeated denial of promotion. He notes that the continued uncertainty and perceived injustice have affected his morale and professional well-being, despite his commitment to service and law enforcement.
Issue Raises Questions on Promotion Policies
The episode has brought renewed focus on promotion policies within the police services, particularly the balance between vigilance oversight and the principles of natural justice. Observers say the matter could spark broader debate on how pending inquiries are used in career progression decisions for civil servants.
