Patiala Civil Court Takes Action Against Punjab Police Over Unpaid Dues
A civil court in Patiala has issued a warrant of attachment targeting the offices of senior Punjab Police officials. This decisive legal move comes after the state government failed to clear outstanding financial dues owed to constable Gurwinder Singh, who was wrongfully dismissed and later reinstated.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The order was passed by the court of Rajbinder Kaur, additional civil judge (senior division) in Patiala. It stems from execution proceedings initiated following a civil decree in favor of Gurwinder Singh. The constable was previously dismissed from service due to a criminal conviction, but after being acquitted by the high court, he was reinstated to his position.
However, the Punjab Police department treated his period of absence from January 15, 2016 to March 8, 2018 as "No Work-No Pay" and withheld his salary and service benefits for that duration. Gurwinder Singh challenged this decision in civil court and successfully obtained a decree in his favor. Although the state attempted to appeal the decision, higher courts did not grant any stay, leading to the current execution action.
Court's Attachment Order Details
Following non-compliance with the decree, Judge Rajbinder Kaur issued a formal warrant directing the court bailiff to attach properties of the judgment debtors. Specifically targeted are the offices of the inspector general (IG) of Police, Commando Punjab and the deputy inspector general (DIG) of Police, Commando Punjab, located at Bahadurgarh in Patiala.
The court has listed specific government assets for attachment including:
- At the 2nd Commando Battalion, Bahadurgarh, Patiala: The office building and internal articles including 20 fans, 30 chairs, 4 coolers, 3 ACs, 10 almirahs, 5 tables, 4 computers and 3 printers
- At IG Police, Commando Training Centre (Qila Bahadurgarh): The office building along with furniture and electronic equipment including 20 fans, 30 chairs, 3 ACs and 10 almirahs
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The warrant of attachment was issued on Wednesday, April 15, and directed the bailiff to carry out the attachment according to legal rules and submit a compliance report to the court. The matter has been listed for further proceedings on April 28.
Gurwinder Singh's counsel, Puneet Sharma, emphasized that this enforcement action serves as a stern reminder of judicial authority over administrative delays. He stated, "Unless the state government secures a stay or clears the 'Decreed Amount,' the physical assets of these high-level police offices will remain under court attachment. The decree holder was illegally dismissed by the department and therefore he cannot be denied the arrears of pay."
The total arrears pending towards the department amount to Rs 11,73,985, representing the salary and benefits withheld during Gurwinder Singh's period of wrongful absence from service.
Broader Significance of the Case
This case highlights the judiciary's role in ensuring administrative accountability and protecting the rights of government employees. The attachment of police offices represents an unusual but legally justified measure to enforce court orders when government departments fail to comply with judicial decrees.
The situation underscores the importance of timely resolution of employee grievances and adherence to legal judgments by state authorities. As the April 28 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Punjab government will clear the dues or seek further legal recourse to prevent the attachment of police office properties.
