At the age of 20, Shridhar Dhawle had joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as a constable in 1974. He was later promoted as head constable. In 1999, Dhawle was crushed by a dumper truck near Panvel. The driver was booked for rash and negligent driving. Dhawle was shifted to PD Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre for treatment.

In 2000, a report was issued by the hospital, stating that Dhawle’s left lower limb had become two inches shorter than his right. Therefore, he was advised to avoid long walks and arduous journeys. In view of this disability, Dhawle was removed from the force in 2002. Neither was he compensated, nor was a relative offered a job. After pursuing various authorities in hope of justice for nearly a decade, Dhawle — now 58 — had approached the Bombay High Court two years ago, which last month gave a judgment, saying that he must be reinstated to the force with a desk job.