JITENDER KUMAR Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner through instant petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking setting aside of order dtd. 27/11/2025 (Annexure P-12) whereby he has been made to retire at the age of 55 years.

(2.) The petitioner joined Haryana Police Force as Constable on 29/8/1992. He was implicated in FIR No. 165 dtd. 14/9/2023 under Ss. 13 and 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 registered at Police Station Bajghera, Gurugram. He was exonerated and Police report against main accused was submitted. A departmental inquiry was initiated against him under Rule 16.24 (1) of Punjab Police Rules, 1934 (as applicable to State of Haryana) (for short 'PPR') on the basis of aforesaid FIR. He was exonerated by inquiry officer vide report dtd. 7/12/2023. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Gurugram issued disagreement note dtd. 22/4/2024 and offered him opportunity to file reply. He was awarded punishment of forfeiture of four annual increments with permanent effect vide order dtd. 1/5/2024. He preferred appeal before Commissioner of Police, Gurugram who reduced the punishment to stoppage of two future increments with permanent effect vide order dtd. 26/9/2024. He approached revisionary authority who vide order dtd. 21/2/2025 dismissed his revision petition. Owing to punishment order dtd. 1/5/2024 an adverse entry was recorded in his ACR for the period from 13/7/2024 to 30/12/2024. His integrity was reported as doubtful. He has been served impugned compulsory retirement order dtd. 27/11/2025. As per said order, he would retire w.e.f. 12/4/2026.

(3.) Learned State counsel produced original record which after perusal was returned.