Decide on PSI promotion within two months: MAT directs DGP

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Aurangabad bench of the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) has directed the director general of police (DGP) to take a decision within two months on the representation submitted by assistant police sub-inspector Samiyoddin Siddiqui, posted at the city police headquarters, regarding his promotion to police sub-inspector (PSI). The order was passed by vice-chairperson Justice V.K. Jadhav and administrative member Vinay Kargaonkar.

Background of the case

Siddiqui joined the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar police commissionerate in 1989 as a constable and was later promoted to police naik, head constable, and assistant police sub-inspector based on his service record. After clearing the departmental eligibility examination, he became eligible for promotion to PSI. However, a dowry death case was registered against a member of his family, and Siddiqui was named as a co-accused in the FIR. Based on the case, he was suspended and faced a departmental inquiry. He was later punished by being reverted to the basic pay of assistant police sub-inspector for two years. After completing the punishment, his suspension was revoked and he was reinstated in service. Although his name appeared in the list of candidates eligible for PSI promotion, no promotion order was issued. Siddiqui then submitted a representation to the DGP, but received no response. He subsequently approached the MAT through advocate Chaitanya Dharurkar, arguing that denying promotion on the same criminal case after he had already undergone departmental punishment was unjust. After examining the relevant government resolutions and procedures, the tribunal directed the DGP to take a decision on the representation within two months.