MAT Directs Fresh Selection Process for Kolhapur LCB Inspector Post
The Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) has issued a directive to Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Yogeshkumar Gupta, instructing him to initiate a completely new selection process for appointing a police inspector to lead the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of the Kolhapur police. The tribunal has laid down specific and detailed guidelines to ensure this exercise is conducted fairly and transparently.
Background of the Case and Tribunal Order
This directive from MAT comes in response to a challenge against the appointment of Sushant Chavan as the LCB inspector. The challenge was filed by Ravindra Kalamkar, the former LCB inspector who was transferred from the position. Kalamkar argued that his removal was unjust and approached MAT last year to contest the decision.
In an operative order passed on April 1, MAT member Debashish Chakrabarty instructed the Kolhapur SP to maintain the status quo and prepare a panel of at least five police inspectors. This panel must include both the applicant, Ravindra Kalamkar, and respondent number 2, Sushant Chavan. The SP is required to submit this panel for approval to the Special Inspector General of Police, Kolhapur Range, within a strict timeframe of two weeks.
Guidelines for the Selection Process
The tribunal has outlined a comprehensive procedure for the fresh selection:
- After receiving approval for the panel, the Superintendent of Police must convene a meeting of the Police Establishment Board (PEB).
- The PEB is tasked with conducting a fair and impartial selection process to appoint the most eligible and suitable officer to the crucial post of LCB inspector.
- MAT has directed that the entire exercise, from panel preparation to final appointment, be completed within four weeks, aiming for completion by the end of April.
- The selection must be based on stringent and objective criteria to ensure meritocracy and fairness.
Sources indicate that Superintendent of Police Yogeshkumar Gupta has already begun the process of shortlisting the senior-most inspectors who are eligible for the post, in compliance with the tribunal's orders. This move underscores the importance of adhering to procedural integrity in police appointments, particularly for key investigative roles like the LCB inspector.
The tribunal's intervention highlights ongoing concerns about transparency in police postings and aims to set a precedent for future appointments in the Maharashtra police force.
