21 ‘corrupt’ cops still in service, High Court told

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 2

Apparently adhering to the theory of innocent even after being proven guilty, the Punjab Police have allowed more than 20 officials to continue in job despite their conviction in corruption cases, compelling the Punjab and Haryana High Court to intervene.

Taking judicial notice of the fact, the High Court has made clear its intent to hear the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Director-General of Police on the issue. Justice Rajan Gupta of the High Court has also directed the state Director-General of Police to ensure the presence of an officer not below the rank of an Inspector-General of Police for enabling the state counsel to assist the court on the next date of hearing.

Justice Gupta also fixed the case for further hearing immediately after the reopening of the High Court after month-long summer break. The developments took place during the hearing of a bunch of petitions filed by Ajmer Singh and other petitioners against the state and other respondents.

Justice Gupta’s Bench was told by the state counsel that 21 persons, convicted and sentenced for less than three years under the Prevention of Corruption Act, were being allowed to continue in service. The information was furnished by the state counsel on instructions from a superintendent in the Litigation Branch of Punjab DGP’s office. He was present in the court during the hearing.

Justice Gupta then asked the state counsel to explain why officials, in whose case verdict of guilty under the Prevention of Corruption Act had been delivered, were being allowed to continue.

Justice Gupta also took note of the state counsel’s submission that he required more time to seek instructions from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the State Director-General of Police. He said an opportunity was granted to the state counsel to seek instructions in the matter on May 6, but clear answer was not coming forth. “Purely, in the interest of justice, another opportunity is granted,” Justice Gupta said.

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