MP cop wins out-of-turn promotion in court 15 years after braving anti-dacoit operation

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the state to grant out-of-turn promotion to a police constable who played a key role in an anti-dacoit operation, despite being denied promotion for 15 years. The constable, who was specifically recommended by the Superintendent of Police (SP) for his outstanding performance during the operation, participated in the apprehension of a notorious criminal, Gulfam, who was wanted for extortion and criminal intimidation.

The High Court observed that confining his contribution to a mere Rs 1,600 reward was deplorable and could negatively impact the morale of brave police personnel. The court noted that the Superintendent of Police's recommendation for out-of-turn promotion could not be treated as a routine one and was made after assessing the constable's active participation in the arrest of the criminal.

The High Court directed the authorities to grant the constable the out-of-turn promotion, with all consequential benefits from the date similarly situated personnel were promoted.