High Court Rules in Favor of Man Who Fought Back After Job Loss Despite Passing Police Tests
A recent legal victory has restored the job of Mr. Rawal, who faced an unfortunate setback after being unable to join his position as a Constable due to being in judicial custody. Despite successfully passing the necessary examinations and receiving a call letter, Rawal’s circumstances led to a missed deadline for reporting to duty. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled in his favor, emphasizing the need for a fair consideration of his situation.
Background of the Case
Mr. Rawal applied for a Constable position following an advertisement on June 28, 2024. He successfully completed the Common Eligibility Test (CET) and the physical measurement assessment, qualifying for the next stage of the selection process. However, when the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) issued a call letter requiring him to report within 30 days, he was unable to do so due to being in judicial custody. This situation arose after an FIR was registered against him following a violent incident involving his family and local villagers. Although the FIR was eventually quashed by the court, the deadline for joining had already passed.
In response to the denial of his appointment, Rawal filed a petition in the High Court, challenging the order that prevented him from assuming his position. He argued that the circumstances surrounding his inability to join were beyond his control and sought legal recourse under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India.
Legal Proceedings and Developments
The legal proceedings revealed a complex series of events. Following the completion of his tests, Rawal faced a violent incident that led to the registration of FIR No. 232 against local assailants. In retaliation, authorities filed a cross FIR against Rawal and his family members. Rawal sought to nullify this FIR, and the Punjab and Haryana High Court eventually invalidated it based on a compromise agreement reached between the parties involved.
Despite being selected for the Constable position, Rawal’s judicial custody prevented him from reporting for duty within the stipulated timeframe. His family requested an extension on his behalf, and Rawal submitted a personal request for an extension. However, the Superintendent of Police denied this request, citing government directives that limit the joining period to 30 days. The state counsel clarified that the rejection was based solely on Rawal’s failure to comply with this timeframe, not on the pending FIR.
High Court’s Ruling
On October 13, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled in favor of Rawal, stating that the directives used to deny his appointment were not statutory. The court emphasized that Rule 12.18 of the Punjab Police Rules addresses situations involving criminal implications but did not apply to Rawal’s case. The High Court noted that the instructions should not be applied rigidly, especially considering the scarcity of job opportunities and the rigorous selection process Rawal had successfully completed.
The court asserted that the difficulties faced by candidates like Rawal should be considered holistically. It highlighted that denying him the opportunity to join based on procedural delays would be unjust. Consequently, the High Court ordered the authorities to issue an appointment letter to Rawal within two weeks, allowing him to join the service, provided he meets other terms and conditions of the appointment.
Implications of the Ruling
This ruling not only reinstates Rawal’s job but also sets a precedent for similar cases where candidates face unforeseen circumstances that hinder their ability to comply with joining deadlines. The court’s decision underscores the importance of considering individual circumstances and the broader context of employment challenges in the country. As job scarcity continues to be a pressing issue, the High Court’s ruling may encourage a more compassionate approach to employment regulations, allowing deserving candidates to overcome procedural hurdles and secure their positions.
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