CAT scan for Delhi police

Central Administrative Tribunal overturns CP's decision of denying promotion to seven cops

The battle lines have been drawn and the tug-of-war has begun.
The issue is a unique one. The previous Delhi police commissioner KK Paul had recommended 47 police officers to the President for gallantry awards and out-of-turn promotion.



But seven out of the 47 failed to get that career boost. After waiting for four years, the aggrieved cops enquired about the availability of higher posts and were informed that several seats were lying vacant. The policemen then moved the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which on January 7, 2009, directed the commissioner to promote the policemen within two months. But the Delhi police rejected the CAT verdict.

"After directions from CAT the commissioner of police formed an inquiry committee and the report that came out was shocking. The committee reported that the work of these policemen did not deserve awards and promotion. Following the outcome the seven policemen approached CAT once again," said Sourabh Ahuja, counsel for the appealing policemen.

"Finally on June 1, CAT ordered Delhi police to give these policemen what they deserved. CAT also informed the commissioner that he had no powers to review his predecessor's order and the report prepared by him was illegal," Ahuja said.

The promotion of these seven award winning cops is still pending, though they have received bravery awards from the President. "It was hard to fight our own organisation but we only want what we deserve," said one of the policemen on condition of anonymity.