The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revoked the suspension of IPS officer Dr Ravjot Kaur Grewal (IPS:2015:PB), who was placed under suspension during the Tarn Taran Assembly bypolls, bringing closure to a matter that had kept the Punjab government in a procedural bind for nearly two months.
In an order dated January 8, 2026, issued by the Secretariat of the Election Commission of India, the poll body approved the revocation of Grewal’s suspension with immediate effect, clarifying that the relief would not have retrospective effect. Dr Grewal was serving as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Tarn Taran, at the time of her suspension.
The Commission, however, made it clear that the final decision in the departmental proceedings initiated against the officer will be taken only with the concurrence of the Election Commission, under the applicable conduct and discipline rules.
Dr Grewal, a 2015-batch IPS officer, was suspended on November 8, 2025, ahead of the November 11 Tarn Taran Assembly by-election, following complaints alleging misuse of police machinery during the Model Code of Conduct period. The action was taken after the Election Commission took cognisance of observations made by a police observer deputed for the bypoll.
Since the suspension was ordered by the ECI, the Punjab government had been constrained by rules that mandate mandatory consultation and concurrence of the Commission, along with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), before reinstating any officer suspended on the poll body’s directions.
Sources had earlier indicated that the state government was proceeding cautiously, wary of being perceived as intervening in a matter linked to election-related disciplinary action. The issue was also discussed during the Punjab DGP’s appearance before the Election Commission.
With the revocation order now issued, Dr Grewal stands reinstated, though the disciplinary proceedings against her will continue to remain under the supervision and concurrence framework laid down by the Election Commission.
Also Read: Punjab govt in a fix over suspended IPS Ravjot Kaur Grewal’s reinstatement
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