Chandigarh: The Punjab Government is treading carefully on the reinstatement of IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal (2015 batch), who was suspended by the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the Tarn Taran Assembly bypolls. Despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) no longer being in force, the state cannot act unilaterally, as rules stipulate that reinstatement requires the concurrence of the ECI along with the Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT), Government of India.
Background: Suspension During Tarn Taran Bypolls
Grewal, a 2015-batch IPS officer and former Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran, was suspended on November 8, 2025, just days ahead of the November 11 Assembly by-election. The suspension followed a complaint by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who alleged that Grewal had misused her authority to file “false” FIRs against his party leaders and workers, allegedly obstructing their election campaign.
Election Commission’s Oversight
The Punjab Government has confirmed that reinstatement cannot occur without ECI’s explicit approval. The ECI has, in earlier communications, stated that any officer suspended on its orders requires consultation before reinstatement.
“It would be discussed after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann returns from Japan and South Korea. Communication can start only after his clearance,” a source said.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, Sibin C, highlighted that ECI acted on reports of serious lapses in impartial law enforcement during the MCC period, not just in Tarn Taran but also in adjoining districts like Amritsar, Batala, and Moga.
Probe and FIR Timings
After Grewal’s suspension, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav delegated the inquiry to Ram Singh, Special Director General of Police. However, a Kerala cadre IPS officer, acting as a police observer, identified discrepancies in the report, particularly concerning the timing of FIRs, which indicated coordinated actions affecting impartiality. Based on these findings, the ECI confirmed Grewal’s suspension.
Current Status
While the Punjab Home Department has been asked to initiate necessary steps for her reinstatement, no progress has been reported yet. Sources indicate that the government is proceeding cautiously to avoid being perceived as undermining the ECI’s authority.
“The matter has not reached anywhere yet,” said an official familiar with the developments.
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