The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has given a significant ruling in favor of Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav (IPS:1992:PB). CAT dismissed a petition filed by former DGP VK Bhawra (IPS:1987:PB) in October 2023, challenging Yadav’s appointment as DGP.
Also Read: Punjab: Former DGP Bhawra challenges Gaurav Yadav’s appointment as DGP in CAT
The controversy arose when the state government replaced Bhawra with Gaurav Yadav as DGP. Bhawra had taken a 60-day leave in July 2022, during which Gaurav Yadav was appointed as the acting DGP on July 4. However, as Bhawra’s leave approached its end on September 2, 2022, with his scheduled return to duty on September 5, the state government reassigned him from the DGP position to become the Chairman of Punjab Police Housing Corporation SAS Nagar. Furthermore, an order was issued confirming Gaurav Yadav’s continuation as acting DGP.
Also Read: Punjab: Gaurav Yadav to continue as officiating DGP; VK Bhawra shifted
VK Bhawra questioned the legality of order, in which he was transferred from the post of DGP. He arguing that it contravened the Punjab Police Act 2007 and the directives of the Supreme Court. He petitioned CAT to reinstate him as the DGP, citing the UPSC’s recommendation and a state government order, which had appointed him as DGP for a minimum of two years.
Also Read: Punjab : Gaurav Yadav appointed as officiating DGP
The petition raises concerns over the state government’s designation of Gaurav Yadav as acting DGP for an extended period exceeding one year, without submitting a panel of officers to the UPSC or appointing Yadav based on such a panel. Bhawra also questions Yadav’s seniority, pointing out several officers ranking higher than Yadav on the DGP seniority list.
