CISF man fired over ‘pani puri’ harassment charge, faces Andhra High Court setback

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has confirmed the termination of a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable accused of harassing a young woman at a pani puri stand after completing his shift. Justice V Sujatha ruled that a member of a disciplined force must uphold a "high standard of discipline, decorum and propriety not only while discharging his official duties but also in his conduct in outside society."

The court noted that a government servant, especially one with a responsible position in government service, should maintain restraint, dignity and good manners in public. The court found no evidence that the alleged statement was obtained through force or coercion, and dismissed the petitioner's claim that he was not granted the chance to defend himself in departmental proceedings.