CAT directs Centre to consider city DSP as feeder cadre for IPS
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Chandigarh Bench, has directed the Centre to process a long-pending proposal to recognise the UT police Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) cadre as a feeder service for induction into the Indian Police Service (IPS) under the AGMUT cadre. The order could impact the career progression of city police officers.
Background
The case involves DSP Ram Gopal of Chandigarh Police, who sought induction into IPS under the promotion quota. The UT administration and Centre had opposed the plea, arguing that the DSP cadre was not a recognised feeder cadre under the IPS Promotion Regulations.
Key facts
CAT Chandigarh Bench directed the Centre to process the proposal to consider UT police DSP cadre as a feeder service for IPS induction under AGMUT cadre.
The bench comprised judicial member Ramesh Singh Thakur and administrative member Rashmi Saxena Sahni.
The tribunal quashed three communications from 2019 that rejected DSP Ram Gopal's request for IPS induction.
The tribunal held that administrative delays cannot defeat an officer's statutory right to be considered for promotion.
Recruitment rules were notified on January 21, 2021, but Chandigarh administration failed to take consequential steps despite repeated directions.
DSP Gopal contended he fulfilled eligibility under IPS (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1955, with over 8 years of service as DSP.
Chandigarh has sanctioned IPS posts under AGMUT cadre, but DSPs were denied consideration due to lack of formal recognition as feeder cadre.
Prelims pointers
- Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- AGMUT cadre (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, Union Territories)
- IPS (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1955
- Feeder cadre
- Chandigarh Police
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of tribunals like CAT in ensuring administrative accountability and protecting statutory rights of civil servants.
- Examine the criteria and process for promotion of state/UT police officers to IPS under the promotion quota.
- Analyze the significance of feeder cadre recognition in career progression of police officers and its impact on governance.