Constable Dismissed for Extended Unauthorised Absence
A constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has been dismissed from service for remaining absent without authorization for over 30 months. The disciplinary action was taken against the official, who was appointed as a constable in 2011, for gross violation of service rules.
Details of the Case
The constable, whose identity has not been disclosed, was posted in Kathua district. According to official sources, he remained absent from duty without any sanctioned leave or prior intimation for a continuous period exceeding 30 months. The prolonged absence prompted the police department to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
An inquiry was conducted, and the constable was found guilty of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty. The department concluded that his actions amounted to a serious breach of discipline and warranted the harshest penalty.
Impact on Police Discipline
The dismissal order was issued by the competent authority in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The move underscores the force's commitment to maintaining strict discipline and accountability among its personnel. A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "Such behaviour cannot be tolerated. It sets a wrong precedent and undermines the morale of the force."
The constable had been appointed in 2011 and had served for over a decade before this incident. The dismissal means he will forfeit all service benefits and will not be eligible for re-employment in any government department.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
The action was taken under the relevant provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Act and service rules. The constable was given an opportunity to present his case before the final order was passed. However, he failed to provide any satisfactory explanation for his prolonged absence.
The police department has also initiated steps to recover any salary or allowances that may have been paid to him during the period of absence. This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in ensuring attendance and discipline among their ranks.
