The Department of Personnel (DoP) on Friday reinstated Kishan Sahai Meena, a promoted Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre, nearly a month after he was suspended for taking unauthorized leave during election duty in Jharkhand.
Mr Meena, who was suspended on November 15 following a recommendation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), was found to have violated election duty protocols by leaving his assigned post without proper approval. The ECI had stated that Meena’s actions were a dereliction of duty during the assembly elections in Jharkhand’s Sisai, Gumla, and Bishnupur constituencies.
The suspension came after the officer left his election duty station on October 28 and returned to Jaipur, despite clear instructions to remain in Jharkhand. Meena’s unauthorized absence was flagged by the ECI in a letter dated November 12, which was sent to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary.
Despite the suspension, the DoP issued an order on Friday, reinstating Meena with immediate effect. Sources confirmed that a departmental inquiry is still ongoing against the officer, but he has been directed to return to duty in accordance with Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Act, 1968. This rule stipulates that a suspension order can remain valid for no more than 60 days.
Kishan Sahai Meena was promoted to IPS in 2013 and has served in various key roles within Rajasthan’s police force. His career includes positions such as Superintendent of Police in Tonk and Ajmer districts, DIG in the CID-CB and Jail departments, and Inspector General (IG) of Armed Battalions. In 2023, he was appointed IG of Human Rights at the Rajasthan Police Headquarters in Jaipur.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of strict adherence to duty during election periods, underscoring the accountability of officials in the election process.
