Court Directs Director General of Police to Scrutinize Video Evidence and Verify Participation of Pregnant Constables
In a significant directive, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Director General of Police to re-examine the promotion selection process for constables in the Haryana Police Department following allegations of discrimination in the parade test. The judgment, delivered by Justice Jagmohan Bansal, focuses on the petition filed by Seema Rani, a constable, who alleged unfair treatment during her promotion evaluation.
Seema Rani, recruited as a constable in 2007, participated in the Lower School Course competition in 2014, where she excelled in the written test but was allegedly discriminated against during the parade test. Despite scoring 55 out of 60 in the written exam, she obtained only 7.5 out of 20 in the parade test, which disqualified her from advancing to the interview stage. The petitioner alleged that two pregnant constables, who purportedly did not participate in the parade test, were awarded marks that allowed them to qualify.
The Court, acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations, directed the Director General of Police to verify if the parade test was video-recorded. It further instructed a detailed examination of the video, if available, to determine whether the private respondents participated in the parade test and if the petitioner was intentionally awarded lesser marks. Justice Bansal emphasized the importance of fairness in the selection process and mandated that the findings be concluded within three months.
The State counsel was unable to refute the claim that the respondents were in advanced stages of pregnancy during the test, raising further questions about their participation. The judgment underscores the Court’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public service promotions.
Seema Rani's case highlights the challenges faced by women in law enforcement and the need for rigorous scrutiny of promotion processes to eliminate potential biases. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar grievances in the future, reinforcing the principles of fairness and equality in employment practices.
Bottom Line:
Promotion and seniority in police department - Allegation of discrimination in parade test during selection process for promotion - Court directed Director General of Police to re-examine the matter and ascertain the participation of private respondents in parade test and whether petitioner was intentionally awarded lesser marks.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, Rule 13.7 of Punjab Police Rules, 1934
Seema Rani v. State of Haryana, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2850082
