Madras High Court
K.Sreedevan vs The Secretary To Government on 13 September, 2022
Author: S.M.Subramaniam
Bench: S.M.Subramaniam
W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 &
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 13.09.2022
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM
W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 &
K.Sreedevan ... Petitioner
in W.P.No.19237 of 2017
E.Selvam ... Petitioner
in W.P.No.19238 of 2017
-vs-
1. The Secretary to Government
Home Police Department
Fort St.George
Chennai - 600 009
2. The Director General of Police
Tamilnadu, Chennai - 4
3. The Addl. Director General of Police
Kilpauk, Chennai - 10
4. The Commandant
Tamil Nadu Special Police IX Battalion
Manimutharu
Tirunelveli District .. Respondents
in W.P.No.19237 of 2022
1. The Secretary to Government
Home Police Department
Fort St.George
Chennai - 600 009
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis
1/22
W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 &
2. The Director General of Police
Tamilnadu, Chennai - 4
3. The Addl. Director General of Police
Kilpauk, Chennai - 10
4. The Commandant
Tamil Nadu Special Police
Battalion II, F Company
Avadi - 62 ... Respondents
in W.P.No.19238 of 2022
Prayer in W.P.No.19237 of 2017 : Writ Petition filed Under Article 226
of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified
Mandamus, to call for the records of the respondents in connection with
the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in
R.C.No.172517/Rec.II(1)/2017 dated 27.04.2017 quash the same and
further direct the respondent to appoint the petitioner as SI (Taluk) by
transfer/by recruitment by transfer from Tamilnadu Special Police
Battalion within a reasonable time.
Prayer in W.P.No.19238 of 2017 : Writ Petition filed Under Article 226
of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified
Mandamus, to call for the records of the respondents in connection with
the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in
R.C.No.1718957/Rec.II(1)/2016 dated 27.04.2017 quash the same and
further direct the respondent to appoint the petitioner as SI (Taluk) by
transfer/by recruitment by transfer from Tamilnadu Special Police
Battalion within a reasonable time.
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis
2/22
W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 &
For Petitioner : Mr.T.Dharani
[ in both W.Ps.]
For Respondents : Mr.B.Vijay
[ in both W.Ps.] Additional Government Pleader
COMMON ORDER
The writ petitioners were initially recruited as Grade II Police Constables and subsequently promoted as Sub-Inspectors of Police in Category III during the year 2008.
2. The petitioners state that they are entitled for conversion from Sub-Inspector of Police-TSP IX Battalion to Law and Order category as per the Government Policy. The cases of similarly placed persons working in the cadre of Sub-Inspectors were considered positively by the respondents and now they are serving as Sub-Inspectors in the Law and Order category and the cases of the writ petitioners were not considered merely on the ground that they have crossed the age of 40 years. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 3/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 &
3. The learned counsel for the petitioners contended that the respondents have considered the persons, who have crossed the age of 40 years and granted conversion to the Law and Order category. On several occasions such orders were passed by the Government and many such persons are now working in the Law and Order category.
4. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents objected the said contention by stating that the terms and conditions stipulated in the Government Orders are to be complied with for conversion of the Sub-Inspector-TSP to Sub-Inspector (Taluk). Such terms and conditions if not complied with, then those cases were not to be considered for conversion. The learned Additional Government Pleader relied on the counter affidavit filed by the respondents and stated that five conditions are to be complied with, which are fixed as eligibility criteria for appointment as Sub-Inspector (Taluk) falling under Law and Order category.
(1) Must be a graduate.
(2) Should not have completed 40 years of age (3) Should have put in five years of service as Sub-Inspector of Police (Armed Reserve/Tamil Nadu Special Police) https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 4/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & (4) Who have unblemished record of service (5) Eligibility, selection, training, internal assessment etc.,
5. It is contended that the writ petitioners have completed the age of 40 years. Therefore, the writ petitioners were not considered for conversion to the Law and Order category.
6. It is contended by the respondents that cut off date has been fixed for transfer of Sub-Inspectors (AR/TSP) recruited for the year has been fixed as 01.07.2013 as per Government Order in G.O. Ms. No. 1598, Home Department dated 05.11.1997. Therefore, the second respondent, viz., Director General of Police called for the details of the eligible Sub-Inspectors of Police, Tamil Nadu Armed Reserve for conversion to the Sub-Inspects of Police (Taluk) by transfer vide memo dated 02.03.2016. The writ petitioners have not fulfilled the condition of 40 years of age.
7. The learned counsel for the writ petitioners relied on the judgment of the Division Bench of this Court dated 13.09.2017 passed in https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 5/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & W.A. No. 1186 of 2017, wherein the following observations are made:-
"24. Material on record further discloses that, even the Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu, has thought if fit not to initiate disciplinary proceedings, for any alleged misconduct, pending disposal of the criminal case. On the other hand, it is the categorical admission that disciplinary proceedings would be deferred till the conclusion of criminal case, which decision of the authority only indicates that other than the criminal case registered against him, respondent has not committed any serious misconduct, in the discharge of his duties.
25. As per the version of Mr.V.Jayaprakash Narayanan, learned Special Government Pleader, only one witness, PW1 alone has to be cross examined. Even taking for granted that the respondent is transferred to any one of the Taluk Police, in the State of Tamil Nadu, we are of the view that there would not be any impediment in the trial, as examination of all the witnesses is almost over. No doubt, the respondent has been charged under Section 406 and 420 IPC, but as per the law of jurisprudence, until a person found guilty, he is presumed to be innocent.
26. Unblemished record of service, may be one of the factors to be considered, for transferring persons from Tamil Nadu Special Police to local police, as one time measure, but on the facts and circumstances of this case, we https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 6/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & have to consider as to whether, the gravity of the offence, say for instance, murder, rape, and such other heinous offences, whether the offence is against the State, or inter se between private parties, whether the same are in the stage of accusation or attained finality. Needless to state that on the facts and circumstances of this case, the department has not even chosen to suspend the respondent."
8. Relying on the observation made by the Division Bench of this Court, the learned counsel for the petitioners contended that even the Sub-Inspectors faced criminal case, were granted conversion to the Law and Order category. The over aged persons were also granted the benefit of conversion to the Law and Order category. While so, the case of the writ petitioners are to be considered.
9. In reply, learned Additional Government Pleader drew the attention of this Court with reference to the observations made by the Division Bench of this Court, where the facts and circumstances of that case is different for granting the relief. The principles were not diluted or set aside by the Division Bench in the case cited supra. In the case relied on by the petitioners, the disciplinary proceedings are deferred till the https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 7/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & conclusion of the criminal case, and the writ petitioner therein was not even placed under suspension. Considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of that case, the Division Bench of this Court granted the relief and therefore, the said judgment cannot be considered as a precedent for the purpose of complying with the mandatory terms and conditions stipulated for conversion of Sub-Inspector Armed Reserve to Sub-Inspector Law and Order category.
10. It is not in dispute that the Government Orders contemplates criteria for conversion to Law and Order category. Accordingly, a person should not have exceeded the age of 40 years and must have unblemished record of service.
11. Post or status, at no circumstances, be claimed as a matter of right by the public servants. It cannot be the choice. Conversion from one wing to another wing of the Department on similar service conditions could not cause any infringement of service rights of the public servants. Certain wings are considered as sensitive in Police Department and women and men of integrity with additional skills are https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 8/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & engaged to perform such sensitive duties. Law and Order Wing is an important wing in the Police Department, dealing with the public directly. Thus, women and men of skills and additional ability are considered for conversion and posting in Law and Order category. Conversion from one wing to another wing is an additional avenue provided to the employees and such conversion would not confer any right. While undertaking the process of conversion, the Competent Authorities are bound to follow the eligibility criteria, so as to ensure that women and men of ability are posted in Law and Order category. The assessment of suitability and eligibility must be made in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Government in this regard and such an assessment made in accordance with the guidelines by the Competent Authority cannot be interfered with by the High Court in a routine manner. If at all the conversion to Law and Order category is tainted with the allegations of mala fides or an act of unfairness is found, then alone, the Court would interfere, but not otherwise. It is within the domain of the Competent Authorities to assess the suitability and eligibility of the Police personnel for conversion to Law and Order category. It is an administrative propagative, which cannot be interfered with in normal https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 9/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & circumstances. The High Court would not interfere with the routine administration of Police Department and other Government Departments. The Authorities Competent are the best persons to assess the ability and suitability of the Police Personnel for the purpose of grant of conversion to the Law and Order category. Personal assessment, working ability, talent etc., are the subjective satisfaction of the Competent Authorities, and the power in this regard are expected to be exercised in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Government. The Government prescribed certain norms for the purpose of conversion. It is not in dispute that the norms contemplated are that the Police Personnel must be a graduate, should not have completed 40 years of age and should have put in 5 years of service and have unblemished record of service. That apart, eligibility, selection, training, internal assessment etc., are also to be considered for the purpose of conversion of Police personnel to Law and Order category.
12. Service Conditions stipulated for the posts of Sub-Inspector of Police, Armed Reserve and Sub-Inspector of Police (Taluk) are one and the same. Both the posts are carrying the identical scale of pay. Thus, the service conditions are one and the same and in the event of conversion, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 10/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & there is no additional service benefits are provided. This exactly is the reason why, this Court formed an opinion that posts or status can never be claimed as a matter of right. The principles in this regard are settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in E.P.Royappa's case. Since the posts are interchangeable and certain additional criteria are prescribed for conversion to Law and Order category to maintain the efficiency in Police Administration, the assessment of ability and suitability to be made by the Competent Authorities cannot be interfered with by the High Court in a writ proceedings. In the event of any such interference, it will cause an adverse effect in maintaining the efficiency level in Police administration, more specifically, in Law and Order category.
13. The Police Personnel posted in Law and Order category have more responsibility and accountability. They have to exercise the Statutory powers directly towards the public at large and therefore, additional ability and talent is certainly essential. That exactly is the reason why, the Government thought fit and prescribed certain additional criteria for the purpose of conversion of Armed Reserve Police Personnel to Law and Order category. Since there is no change of service https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 11/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & conditions, the conversion cannot be claimed as an absolute right.
14. Regarding the assessment of suitability and eligibility, the Honourable Supreme Court of India in the case of Commissioner of Police Vs. V.S.Rajkumar by judgment dated 25.08.2021 in C.A.No.4960 of 2021, held as follows:
"Public service - like any other, pre-supposes that the state employer has an element of latitude or choice on who should enter its service. Norms, based on principles, govern essential aspects such as qualification, experience, age, number of attempts permitted to a candidate, etc. These, broadly constitute eligibility conditions required of each candidate or applicant aspiring to enter public service. Judicial review, under the Constitution, is permissible to ensure that those norms are fair and reasonable, and applied fairly, in a non-discriminatory manner. However, suitability is entirely different; the autonomy or choice of the public employer, is greatest, as long as the process of decision making is neither illegal, unfair, or lacking in bona fides."
15. Thus, the assessment of suitability and eligibility are the prerogative of the Competent Authorities, which cannot be interfered with by the High Court, while exercising the powers of judicial review https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 12/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Such an interference may be required, if the power is exercised in an unfair manner or the assessment is tainted with mala fides or Favouritism and Nepotism.
16. It is brought to the notice of this Court by the learned counsel for the petitioners that the Police Department has violated the guidelines and granted conversion in favour of some Police Personnel and therefore, the case of the writ petitioners are to be considered. Illegality cannot be a ground to claim equality. If at all any error or improper assessment has been made in violation of the Government guidelines, the same cannot be considered as a precedent nor such erroneous or irregular orders can be allowed to continue in perpetuity. Under all circumstances, the guidelines for conversion is to be scrupulously followed by the Competent Authorities. If at all certain violations are noticed on earlier occasions, such violations cannot be repeated nor any other persons can claim the said violation as a matter of right. The Article 14 of Indian Constitution is a positive concept and cannot be implemented in negativity. Any irregularity or illegality or improper selections cannot be followed as precedent, so as to allow the illegality or irregularity to https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 13/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & continue in perpetuity. Thus, the Courts are bound to examine the facts independently with reference to the claim for conversion by the Police Personnel. It is needless to state that the Competent Authorities of the Police Department, while calling for the names of the eligible persons for conversion from Armed Reserve to Law and Order category have to adopt a transparent procedure and bound to follow the eligibility criteria scrupulously and the assessment of suitability are to be made strictly in accordance with Service Records and other norms fixed by the Government for the purpose of conversion to Law and Order category.
17. High Discipline, Honesty and Integrity are the need of the hour in Police Department, more specifically, in Law and Order wing. There are large scale allegations from the public against the Police Personnel working in the Law and Order category. There are common allegations of collusion, receiving Mamul (Bribe) by the Police personnel in Police Stations and in Law and Order wing. If the Police personnel with lack of integrity is posted in Law and Order wing, then it will have a direct implication on the maintenance of Law and Order in the society. Effective control over the Law and Order wing by the Higher Police https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 14/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & Authorities are of paramount importance and is a Constitutional mandate. The Fundamental Rights ensured under Part III of the Constitution is to be protected by the Law and Order wing of the Police Department as they are the law enforcing authority in the society.
18. In recent times, prevention of crimes are lacking. Prevention of crimes in the society is far more important than developing an efficiency in investigation after the commission of crime. Indian Constitution enumerates protection of Fundamental Rights, including Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, which is an integral part of Article
21. Thus, the Law and Order wing of the Police Department plays a pivotal role in protracting the Fundamental Rights of the citizen of our great Nation. Therefore, Prevention of crime is far more important and is a right of every citizen of this great Nation. The Police Department has to thrive hard to ensure prevention of crimes in the society. This is the right time to work out modalities for effective prevention of crimes in the society. No doubt, investigation skills are also an important factor, but if prevention is effectively made, then commission of crime and investigation would be minimized.
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 15/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 &
19. Amongst the police personnel in the same category, no personnel should feel that he is discriminated or unfairly dealt with by the higher officials. Equality clause enunciated in the Constitution is to be preserved amongst the uniformed personnel working in various categories and more so, while providing an opportunity for conversion to Law and Order Wing. Any kind of discrimination in this regard would cause demorale amongst the uniformed personnel working in the same category. Therefore, non discrimination is directly connected with the maintenance of high discipline in the police force.
20. Any misplaced sympathy towards any police personnel in the matter of conversion by any higher authority is directly in violation of the Constitutional provisions as the same will result in unfairness and would create heart burning issues amongst the other similarly placed police personnel. Thus, the maintenance of equality, non-discrimination, fairness in assessment of eligibility and suitability are of paramount importance for the purpose of maintaining the Law and Order Wing intact. Thus, the criteria fixed for conversion to Law and Order category is an absolute necessity and such guidelines issued by the Government https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 16/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & are to be scrupulously followed, while undertaking the process of conversion, more specifically, by the Director General of Police.
21. Regarding the violations of Government guidelines issued for conversion by the Police Department on earlier occasions, the learned Additional Government Pleader reiterated that the respondents are following the eligibility criteria and assessment of suitability in accordance with the guidelines and certain irregularities and illegalities if at all occurred on earlier occasions, such orders will not be followed as a precedent by the Police Department, while undertaking the process of conversion to Law and Order Wing.
22. In this regard, it is relevant to rely on the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in the case of Basawaraj & Anr. Vs. Special Land Acquisition Officer reported in 2013 14 SCC 81, made an observation that “it is a settled legal proposition that Article 14 of the Constitution is not meant to perpetuate illegality or fraud, even by extending the wrong decisions made in other cases. The said provision does not envisage negative equality but has only a positive aspect. Thus, if some other similarly situated persons have been granted some relief/ benefit inadvertently or by mistake, such an order does not confer any https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 17/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & legal right on others to get the same relief as well. If a wrong is committed in an earlier case, it cannot be perpetuated. Equality is a trite, which cannot be claimed in illegality and therefore, cannot be enforced by a citizen or court in a negative manner. If an illegality and irregularity has been committed in favour of an individual or a group of individuals or a wrong order has been passed by a Judicial forum, others cannot invoke the jurisdiction of the higher or superior court for repeating or multiplying the same irregularity or illegality or for passing a similarly wrong order.”
23. The power of judicial review of the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is to ensure the processes, through which, a decision is taken by the competent authorities in consonance with the Statutes and Rules and the guidelines issued by the Government in force, but not the decision itself. Therefore, in the absence of any violation of the Rules or guidelines issued by the Government or infringement of a right of an employee, the High Court would not issue any direction to convert any police personnel from Armed Reserve to Law and Order Wing. Such conversion is the administrative exercise to https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 18/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & be made by the competent authorities and interference in such exercise by the High Court in a writ proceedings would cause serious repercussion in the matter of maintenance of high discipline in police force. In simple terms, High Court cannot sit as a selection authority or an authority to assess the suitability and eligibility for the purpose of effecting conversion of police personnel from Armed Reserve to Law and Order Wing. High Court cannot usurp the powers of an expert body consisting the competent Police authorities.
24. As far as the writ petitioners on hand are concerned, they have crossed the age of 40 years and hence, the decision taken by the competent authorities cannot be construed as perverse. Thus, the rejection of the claim of the writ petitioners for conversion is in order and there is no infirmity.
25. Considering the importance of the issue regarding the conversion of Armed Reserve Police Personnel to Law and Order category, this Court emphatically reiterate that the procedures as contemplated and the eligibility criteria fixed including the suitability of Police Personnel are to be assessed in the interest of the Law and Order https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 19/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & to be maintained in the society at large, which is the public interest and a constitutional mandate to be performed by the Police Departments. Since the Law and Order is having direct implication on the protection of Fundamental Rights of the citizen under Part III of the Constitution of India, the Director General of Police is directed to ensure that the women and men of high discipline, integrity and honesty are converted to Law and Order wing for the purpose of upholding the Constitutional Directives.
26. In view of the facts and circumstances and the principles elaborately considered, the relief as such sought for in the present writ petitions cannot be granted and consequently, the writ petitions are devoid of merits and stand dismissed. No costs.
13.09.2022 Index : Yes Speaking Order : Yes gpa/sha https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 20/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & To
1. The Secretary to Government Home Police Department Fort St.George Chennai - 600 009
2. The Director General of Police Tamilnadu, Chennai - 4
3. The Addl. Director General of Police Kilpauk, Chennai - 10
4. The Commandant Tamil Nadu Special Police IX Battalion Manimutharu Tirunelveli District
5. The Commandant Tamil Nadu Special Police Battalion II, F Company Avadi - 62 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 21/22 W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 & S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J gpa/sha W.P. No. 19237 and 19238 of 2017 13.09.2022 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 22/22