BALRAJ SINGH CONSTABLE Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE only grouse of the petitioner is that in spite of the fact that he was selected by the Departmental Promotion Committee in the Lower School Promotion Test, he has not been sent for the Course starting from October 15, 1991, as required under Rule 13. 7 of the Punjab Police Rules.

(2.) THE stand of the respondents is that since the petitioner was placed under suspension on account of having caused an accident while working as a driver, he has not been sent to the Course. Reliance has been placed on Rule 13. 8-A of the Punjab Police Rules.

(3.) AFTER hearing the counsel for the parties, we are of the view that the stand taken by the State is not sustainable in law. Attending the Course under Rule 13. 7 of the Punjab Police Rules is a step towards promotion. Actual promotion is made subsequently. There is no restriction contained in Rule 13. 7 that a person who has been placed under suspension can be kept back. Rule 13. 8-A of the Punjab Police Rules, on which reliance has been placed by the State, reads as under: