JERANG A. SANGMA Vs. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The writ petitioner being aggrieved by the orders passed by the respondent No. 2 and 3, whereby he has been dismissed from service, is before this Court seeking directions for the respondents to reconsider the quantum of punishment inflicted upon him.

(2.) The brief facts of the case are that the petitioner had entered into service in the Police Department in the year 1992 as Assistant Sub- Inspector (ASI), and after being promoted to the post of Un-Armed Branch Sub-Inspector (UBSI) had been serving in the Department for 30 years, till his dismissal from service. Disciplinary Proceedings had been drawn up against the petitioner on 23/8/2021 on 3 Articles of Charge which were; unauthorized absent from duties, gross misconduct, violation of lawful direction from superiors, apart from negligence and dereliction of duties, which were stated to be in violation of Rules 3, 3A and 3B of the Meghalaya Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2019. Thereafter, on conclusion of the said proceedings, wherein the petitioner admitted to all the charges as framed, he was dismissed from service. Though, an appeal had been preferred, the dismissal order was upheld by the respondents.

(3.) Mr. C.C.T. Sangma, learned counsel for the petitioner does not dispute that fact that the petitioner had pleaded guilty to all the charges, nor does he question the Disciplinary Proceedings for lack of opportunity to defend himself or otherwise. The prayer before this Court, is only on the quantum of punishment that has been inflicted upon the petitioner, which he contends that taking into account the long years of service and the nature of infractions, the punishment of dismissal from service, is too harsh, and on this point deserves some consideration from this Court.