A feeling of deprivation and discrimination is not the preserve of struggling commoners; even a law enforcer can feel its pang. It became evident when a Chhattisgarh IPS officer, serving as the superintendent of police (SP) in Kawardha district, accused the state administration of violating his constitutional rights by repeatedly denying him promotion.
In a letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, this 2012-batch IPS officer, Dharmendra Singh Chhavai, rues being sidelined despite having seniority and a clean service record, all because of selective justice and arbitrariness.
The Kawardha SP’s letter highlights how being repeatedly overlooked for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) has impacted his emotional and professional well-being. Chhavai finds it difficult to comprehend why his name was excluded from promotion lists issued between October 2024 and July 2025.
The administration, on its part, has its own explanation, citing a pending Lokayukta probe in Bhopal as the reason for stalling his promotion to the rank of DIG. But Chhavai decries the move, calling it an administrative pretext. To substantiate his point, the officer refers to the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines dated January 15, 1999, which state that promotions cannot be withheld unless an officer is under suspension, has been served a charge sheet, or is facing a criminal trial.
The Kawardha SP alleges the use of selective justice as being the main reason behind the denial of equal opportunities to him, which he feels is a clear violation of Article 16 of the Constitution. His letter says that while his promotion has been stalled over a mere investigation, other officers facing more serious allegations, including cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, have been promoted.
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