Ex-Punjab ASI Daulat Ram Wins 18-Year Legal Battle for Pension Benefits
ruled in favour of Ex-ASI
, setting aside his 2007 dismissal from the
and ordering his reinstatement for pensionary benefits under compulsory retirement.
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The verdict brings closure to an 18-year legal battle waged by the 64-year-old former officer, who was dismissed over a corruption conviction later suspended on appeal.
Daulat
, recruited in 1979, had an unblemished 28-year service record, including commendations for anti-terrorism operations during Punjab's insurgency era. However, in 1998, he was convicted in a corruption case under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly accepting a bribe.
While his appeal against the conviction was pending, the Punjab Police dismissed him in 2007 under Rule 16.2 of Punjab Police Rules, citing the conviction.
Daulat Ram contested the dismissal, arguing that the order was passed during the pendency of his appeal, violating principles of natural justice. He argued that his clean service record, including 64 commendations and participation in high-risk counter-terrorism operations, was ignored.
He also mentioned that similar cases resulted in reinstatement or compulsory retirement for other officers.
The court held that the dismissal order was "non-speaking, ultra-vires, and against natural justice," and noted that the punishing authority failed to consider Daulat Ram's service tenure, exemplary record, or the gravity of the offence. The court noted that dismissal during the appeal's pendency amounted to "double punishment," as the conviction's finality was undecided. Precedents like Sandeep Raj v. State of
mandate a holistic review of conduct before imposing penalties.
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Granting relief to ASI Daulat Ram, the court set aside the 2007 dismissal and subsequent appellate orders and converted the dismissal into compulsory retirement from December 26, 2007, making Ram eligible for full pensionary benefits. The court directed the Punjab govt to disburse arrears with 6% interest within two months.
'The judgment emphasises the necessity for authorities to balance disciplinary actions with service records and legal pendency. It also highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding employees' rights against procedural lapses. For Daulat Ram, the verdict ends a gruelling fight for dignity. He served Punjab with his blood. Today, justice has prevailed," said his counsel
.
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