Demotion of policemen in out-of-turn promotion: High Court grants status quo

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court (PHC) has granted status quo in shuffling of seniority lists of police officers promoted (out of turn) as Cadets while ordered respondents to submit reply and adjourned further hearing till 4th April, on Wednesday.

Barrister Dr. Adnan Khan appeared before PHC divisional bench comprised of Justice Attique Shah and Justice Shakeel Ahmad on behalf of Khalid Usman, Muhammad Sohail along with 108 petitioners in which two legal points were raised before court.

During hearing from the petition of Sohail and others argued that the petitioners are cadets and added that the cadet is selected from 300 troops while obtaining out of turn promotions because they had obtained distinction and medal at police training center which is applicable in all police force.

The counsel added that now the cadets are demoting to equity with other personnel which is not fair. He added that PHC larger bench has already directed provincial government to review the laws and constitute committees for redressal of the issue.
However, the petition filed by Khalid Usman stated that in 1980s the then Inspector General of Police has issued Standing Orders that personnel served at Police Training Center Hangu as Instructor should be granted out of turn promotion which is matter of record now.

The counsel further added that the petitioner has obtained benefits after serving at PTC Hangu for three and withdrawal of recompences is not fair because once granted benefit cannot be retained.

Barrister Adnan Khan argued that in 2013 and 2017 Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared null void Section-8 of Punjab Civil Servant Act and Section 9-A of Sindh Civil Servant Act while added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made these judgments as ground for demotion of honorary and 1980s promoted personnel while SCP has also rejected CPLA in this regard.

The counsel argued that in 2022 Inspector General of Police has written to Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of Supreme Court’s judgement while demotion process initiated on 13th March 2023 of police personnel at different ranks.

PHC divisional bench comprised of Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Shakeel has granted status quo while ordered Inspector General of Police and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to submit reply while adjourned further hearing till 4th April.