The Election Commission of India has lifted the two-month suspension of Tarn Taran's senior superintendent of police, Ravjot Kaur Grewal. The action was originally taken over alleged violations during the Model Code of Conduct period for the Tarn Taran byelection held on November 11, 2025.
Chandigarh Proposal Leads to Relief
This decision for revocation came after the Punjab home department sent a formal proposal to the Election Commission on December 29, 2025. The commission approved the request with immediate effect. However, it explicitly declined to make the reinstatement retrospective, meaning Grewal's service record will reflect the suspension period.
In its communication to Punjab's additional chief secretary for home affairs, the EC asserted its authority. It stated that any final decision regarding potential departmental proceedings against the officer would require the commission's prior concurrence.
Background of the Suspension and Complaints
SSP Ravjot Kaur Grewal was suspended on November 8, 2025. This drastic step followed a series of nine complaints filed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The opposition party had alleged serious misconduct, including:
- Misuse of police machinery.
- Registration of fake First Information Reports (FIRs).
- Arrest of Akali Dal workers on what they claimed were trumped-up charges.
The SAD had demanded a high-level inquiry and strict action against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the officers involved.
Investigations and the Path to Revocation
The Election Commission's decision was not taken in isolation. It considered a report from a specially appointed police observer. Furthermore, in a significant development on December 8, 2025, the EC sought a copy of the charge sheet filed against Grewal. The Punjab state government complied and provided the document within two days.
The period leading to the revocation saw high-level discussions. Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, was summoned to Delhi on November 25, 2025. During this meeting, he reportedly defended the actions of the state police department.
Interestingly, an internal probe conducted by the then Ferozepur Range DIG, Harmanbir Singh Gill, had presented a different picture. His investigation, completed on the very day of the suspension (November 8), exonerated the Tarn Taran police of any charges related to political misuse.
The Election Commission's move to revoke the suspension brings a partial closure to the high-profile case, though it retains oversight over any future disciplinary action. The ruling emphasizes the EC's ultimate authority in matters pertaining to the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
