Former Cricketer Joginder Sharma of 2007 T20 World Cup fame has knocked on the doors of Punjab and Haryana High Court after his name was not included in the list of those being considered for elevation to the Indian Police Service (IPS). The cricketer-turned-officer is currently serving as a DSP in Haryana Police under the sports quota. In his petition, he cited that the state government is considering elevation of 12 state police officers to IPS, of which, 11 DSPs in the list have been in police since 2009 while Mr. Sharma not only joined in October 5, 2007 but also completed his probation before most of those in the list.
According to Mr. Sharma, the state has allegedly stated that he was confirmed upon completion of training while he claims that this condition is illegal because it violates the appointment letter and applicable rules.
“The appointment based on sports achievement is offered to promote sports and citizens’ interest in sports so that the country can excel in the field internationally,” he stated in the petition.
He also stated that he joined as a DSP in Haryana Police on October 5, 2007. The appointment letter dated September 4, 2007, explicitly stated that he would be on probation for two years, including the period of training. Yet, he was confirmed on January 9, 2014.
