In a landmark judgment, the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) recently set aside departmental action — involving no promotion and entitlement for grade allowances — against a senior police inspector. The police officer was accused of omission to perform duty. Interestingly, in the same year, 2013, the staffer had been applauded for being a good police officer in the Annual Confidential Report (ACR). The MAT, in its order, has explained what constitutes misconduct within the meaning of the relevant service rules, and directed the police department and government to restore his benefits, including refund of Rs 1,000 deducted per month from his pension.

“This judgment of the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal is landmark, as the order makes it clear as to what really constitutes misconduct within the meaning of the relevant rules. The applicant was punished on the grounds that he failed to guide his subordinates in detection of crime as well as filing charge sheets,” said advocate Rajeshwar Panchal, who appeared for the applicant, Ravindra Javkar, before MAT.