IGP Param Raj Singh Umaranangal faced suspension in 2019 due to his alleged involvement in a 2015 police shooting during protests related to sacrilege incidents involving the Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab. The Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside the suspension of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has reinstated Inspector General of Police (IGP) Paramraj Singh Umranangal, overturning his suspension that followed his implication in a controversial police firing incident in 2015 that took place amid protests against sacrilege incidents concerning the Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that procedural norms are adhered to, even in cases involving high-ranking officials and sensitive circumstances.
The bench, comprising Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma, critically examined the suspension orders issued against Umranangal in 2019, 2020, and 2021. They identified a clear violation of the procedural guidelines that govern such actions, leading to the annulment of these orders. The court’s observation that-
“the State cannot pick and choose rules or pass orders without following the procedure mentioned in the rules”
It sets a precedent for the administration of justice and disciplinary actions within the police force.
Highlighting the dichotomy in the treatment of Umranangal, the court noted,
“It is very unfortunate to observe that on the one hand the petitioner is awarded with two Gallantry Awards for rendering his meritorious service in combating with terrorism in the State of Punjab, but on the other hand the State Government has placed the petitioner under Suspension since 18.02.2019 till date i.e. for a period of almost five years without following any procedure, without any extension, without any recommendation of Central Review Committee, without any confirmation by the Central Government, which doubts the intention of the officers who are passing the suspension orders one after the other.”
This observation underscores the court’s concern over the apparent disregard for procedural justice and the impact of such oversight on the individual’s career and reputation.
The legal team representing Umranangal pointed out that according to the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 (as amended in 2015), the suspension of a member of an All-India Service on charges other than corruption should not extend beyond one year unless recommended by the Review Committee of the Central Ministry. This argument played a crucial role in the court’s decision, highlighting the deviation from established legal norms in Umranangal’s suspension.
Despite the State government’s stance that there was no legal infirmity in suspending Umranangal until the completion of his trial in the three criminal cases filed against him, the court’s directive for his reinstatement reflects a critical stance on the need for the rule of law and procedural fairness.
This ruling not only reinstates a high-ranking police officer but also sends a strong message about the importance of following due process and the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values and democratic principles. It reaffirms the principle that the state and its agencies must operate within the bounds of law, ensuring that actions taken against individuals, especially those in public service, are justified, transparent, and procedurally sound.
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