The Supreme Court has dismissed the Centre’s appeal challenging the reinstatement of senior IPS officer Gurjinder Pal Singh (1994-batch Chhattisgarh cadre officer), who had been compulsorily retired over allegations of corruption, extortion, and sedition.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti upheld the Delhi High Court’s ruling, which endorsed the Central Administrative Tribunal’s (CAT) decision to reinstate Singh. The Delhi HC, in its August 23rd, 2023, order, set aside Singh’s compulsory retirement issued on July 20th, 2023, citing a lack of substantial evidence in his service records.
The Centre argued that the retirement was made in the public interest and aligned with service rules, asserting that the CAT overstepped its jurisdiction by evaluating evidence from criminal complaints, annual performance reports, and disciplinary proceedings.
However, the High Court criticized the Centre’s decision, noting the criminal complaints were founded on weak allegations and lacked substantive proof. It highlighted procedural lapses, including the three-year delay in appointing an inquiry officer for departmental proceedings, which CAT had flagged.
Further, the court observed the reopening of a CBI-closed case against Singh for abetment of suicide seemed to target him unjustly. The stay on FIRs against Singh by the Chhattisgarh High Court also underscored the lack of urgency or strong evidence.
Officer Singh claimed the Chhattisgarh government harassed him for resisting corruption in the Nagrik Apurti Nigam scam and refusing illegal favours to high-ranking officials.
The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces procedural accountability in cases of compulsory retirement, ensuring officers are not arbitrarily penalized without robust evidence.
