HC bins plea of J&K cop sacked for skipping duty over terror threat

In a ruling dismissing a police officer's petition for reinstatement, the J&K high court has stated that a police officer, regardless of rank, must not be deterred by terrorists' threats and must fulfill their duty. The court rejected SPO Hemo Hamid Wani's plea, expressing disbelief in his justification for not attending his duties.

The court emphasized that SPOs do not hold civil posts regulated by statutory rules and are appointed for specific purposes during times when the regular police force is inadequate. Wani, an SPO since 2012, was posted in Shopian, Kashmir, when he received death threats from terrorists and failed to report to work. After taking medical leave, he was not allowed to resume his duties, leading him to appeal to the high court.

The court rejected the contentions, stating that Wani, as an SPO, was not entitled to a hearing or inquiry due to his temporary engagement. Even if a hearing was assumed, his failure to perform duties in the face of terror threats warranted his removal. The court affirmed the decision of the J&K police DGP to reject Wani's plea, noting that granting an opportunity to Wani to present his case would be an empty formality.