State Authorities Concede, Medal Allowance for President's Police Medal Awardee to be Restored within Two Months
In a significant decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has mandated the restoration of the Medal Allowance for Talwinder Singh, a former constable in the Punjab Police and a recipient of the President's Police Medal for Gallantry. The court's directive follows the challenge posed by Singh against a 2021 notification that halted the Medal Allowance, which had been a recognition of his gallant service since 1995.
The case, presided over by Justice Jagmohan Bansal, highlighted the issue of discontinuation of allowances for gallantry awardees, as per the notification dated September 15, 2021. The petitioner, Talwinder Singh, had initially approached the authorities, including the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, and the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, seeking redressal. The DGP, in a communication to the Principal Secretary, Home Department, Punjab, emphasized that the Medal Allowance should not have been discontinued, reinforcing the entitlement of the awardees.
The court, taking note of the communications from the police department and the state's acceptance of the oversight, directed the state authorities to file an affidavit providing the rationale behind the cessation of the allowance. However, during the proceedings, the State counsel acknowledged the validity of Singh's claim and assured the court of the revival of his Medal Allowance.
Justice Bansal, in his oral judgment, ordered the restoration of the Medal Allowance to Talwinder Singh within a two-month timeframe, thereby disposing of the petition. This judgment underscores the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights and entitlements of gallantry awardees, who have rendered commendable service to the nation.
The court's decision marks a significant victory for gallantry award recipients, ensuring that their contributions are duly acknowledged through sustained allowances.
Bottom Line:
Gallantry Award Allowance - Notification stopping Medal Allowance challenged - State authorities accepted the claim of the petitioner, and Medal Allowance directed to be restored.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India
Talwinder Singh v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2860691
