V. JEGANNATHAN Vs. SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS Writ Petition, at the instance of a Head Constable, seeks a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to promote him to the post of Special Sub Inspector of Police, in view of his completion of 25 years of regular service.

(2.) THE petitioner was appointed as Grade II Police Constable on 25 May, 1988. He was promoted, thereafter, as Grade I Police Constable on 15 April, 2000. The petitioner was, once again, given promotion as Head Constable on 15 April, 2006.

(3.) THE respondent filed a detailed counter -affidavit, wherein it was contended that the petitioner was in unauthorised absence for a period of 425 days. The said period was subsequently treated as leave without pay. The petitioner was punished for desertion on two occasions. According to the respondent, the petitioner failed to fulfill the condition regarding ten years of continuous service as Head Constable and as such, it is not possible to promote him to the post of Special Sub Inspector of Police.