Punjab and Haryana High Court on Promotion Eligibility after Punishment of Censure in Police Service.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the authorities to reconsider the petitioner’s claim for inclusion in the Intermediate School Course in light of previous judicial orders. The Court noted that a punishment of censure—being a minor penalty—cannot indefinitely affect promotion prospects once its currency period has expired. The authorities were instructed to evaluate the petitioner’s case in accordance with earlier judgments that had clarified the limited impact of censure on promotions in the Haryana Police.

1. The petitioner, HC Bhupender Singh, successfully completed the Lower School Course (Batch No. 64) and was brought on the C-1 List on 23.08.2018.
2. He was awarded a punishment of censure on 05.02.2019, resulting in a six-month delay in his promotion to Head Constable, which was granted on 06.01.2020 (his batchmates were promoted on 31.07.2019).
3. When the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Hisar Range issued a list dated 10.09.2025 of Head Constables eligible for the Intermediate School Course, the petitioner’s name was omitted.
4. His representation dated 11.09.2025 seeking inclusion was rejected on 15.09.2025, citing his delayed promotion due to the earlier censure.

1. The Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana, through WAN Messages dated 16.08.2023 and earlier, had clarified that officials under punishment should not be deputed to the Intermediate School Course; however, once the punishment period is over, such officials are eligible for consideration.
2. Further clarification dated 25.04.2024 stated that officials whose promotion is delayed due to a censure shall be granted ante-dated seniority once promoted, as if the punishment had not been awarded.
3. The Court noted that censure is a minor punishment under Rule 16.1 of the Punjab Police Rules, 1934, and after the lapse of its currency period, it should not impact future promotions or training eligibility.
4. The State’s stand that the petitioner would be considered only with Batch No. 65 was not in consonance with previous judicial directions.

1. The petitioner’s claim was directed to be reconsidered in light of:
2. Order dated 07.05.2025 in CWP No. 6990 of 2025 (Satish Kumar v. State of Haryana & Ors.); and
3. Judgment dated 15.10.2025 in a batch of petitions including CWP No. 28155 of 2025 (HC Rakesh Kumar v. State of Haryana & Ors.).
4. The Court disposed of the petition with directions for compliance and reconsideration as per the above precedents.

1. Rule 16.1, Punjab Police Rules, 1934 – Classification of minor punishments including censure.
2. Rule 13.8-A, Punjab Police Rules, 1934 – Consideration for promotion after six months of good conduct post-censure.
3. Articles 226 & 227, Constitution of India – Powers of the High Court to issue writs and supervise subordinate courts.

The writ petition was disposed of, with directions to reconsider the petitioner’s eligibility for the Intermediate School Course as per earlier High Court judgments and departmental instructions.

Citation: 2025:PHHC:xxxxxx (official citation awaited)

Case: HC Bhupender Singh v. State of Haryana & Others

Court: High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh

Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jagmohan Bansal

Date of Decision: 27 October 2025

Writ Petition (CWP) No.: 28319 of 2025