CAT Orders Chandigarh Administration to Forward DSP Rules to Home Ministry
The Central Administrative Tribunal's Chandigarh Bench has issued a significant directive. It tells the Union Territory administration to send the recruitment rules notification for deputy superintendents of police to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This action reopens a long-standing issue about promoting Chandigarh Police officers to the Indian Police Service.
Bench Hears DSP's Application for IPS Induction
A division bench comprising Ramesh Singh Thakur and Rashmi Saxena Sahni passed these orders. They heard an application filed by DSP Ram Gopal. He sought consideration of Chandigarh Police DSPs as a feeder cadre for induction into the IPS under the AGMUT cadre. This matter has been pending since 2019 and has seen seventy adjournments.
Tribunal Notes Contradictory Communications
In its January 14 order released on Friday, the Tribunal made key observations. The Ministry of Home Affairs earlier stated no proposal regarding Chandigarh DSPs as a feeder cadre was pending. However, an official communication dated November 3, 2020, clearly said such a proposal would be considered after notification of fresh recruitment rules.
The Tribunal noted that new recruitment rules for the DSP post in Chandigarh were notified on January 21, 2021. This fulfilled the condition mentioned in the 2020 communication. Despite this, the Chandigarh administration took no concrete steps to pursue the matter with the Centre.
Bench Expresses Dissatisfaction with Administration's Stand
The bench expressed clear dissatisfaction with the repeated stand of the Chandigarh administration. Authorities called the issue a "policy matter." The bench held that the administration could not remain passive given earlier assurances.
The Tribunal directed the home secretary of the Chandigarh administration to forward the 2021 Gazette notification of the recruitment rules to the Ministry of Home Affairs. This must be done for appropriate directions, specifically under paragraph 6 of the 2020 letter. The home secretary must file a supplementary affidavit confirming compliance by the next hearing.
Case Listed for Further Hearing on February 11
The case has now been listed for further hearing on February 11. This development brings the matter back into active consideration after years of delays.
Order Renews Hope for UT Cadre DSPs
The CAT order has renewed hope among Chandigarh Police DSPs. They have long sought parity with other services already recognised as feeder cadres for IPS induction under the AGMUT framework. Currently, Chandigarh police officials promoted as DSP do not advance to higher ranks. This creates stagnation among UT police officials.
In contrast, their counterparts in Punjab and Haryana retire in IPS rank. The Tribunal's directive could potentially change this disparity and open promotion pathways for Chandigarh officers.
