Punjab Police Implements Tenure Caps for Senior Officers, Awaits Cabinet Approval
Chandigarh: In a significant administrative overhaul, the Punjab Police has introduced a new transfer policy that will impose strict tenure limits on officers holding the rank of inspector and above. Under this freshly drafted regulation, these senior officials will be prohibited from remaining stationed in any single district for more than three consecutive years. Furthermore, their total cumulative service across the entire state of Punjab is now capped at a maximum of nine years.
Policy Expansion and High Court Directive
The decision marks a major expansion of existing rules. Previously, such rotational tenure restrictions applied exclusively to personnel from the constable to inspector ranks. "A draft policy was prepared for the transfer of officers of the rank of inspector and above after they complete nine years of service in total and three years at a particular place," the Punjab government formally informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court. "The policy was approved by the competent authority and is being sent to the cabinet for approval."
This development comes directly in response to a directive issued by the High Court on February 10. The bench, led by Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal, had explicitly instructed the state government to formulate a comprehensive policy determining the maximum tenure for these higher-ranking officials. The court noted the inconsistency in applying such rules only to lower ranks, observing, "It is strange such a policy is applicable to only lower-rank police officials. Such a policy ought to be applicable to higher ranks." The government's submission was made in compliance with this judicial order.
Broader Police Reforms and Infrastructure Updates
During the court proceedings, the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), who joined via video conference, provided additional updates on wider police reforms. A comprehensive manpower audit is currently underway, aimed at augmenting personnel specifically for patrolling duties and the maintenance of law and order. To bolster ground-level security, several immediate measures have been implemented:
- Deployment of 508 additional patrolling vehicles across the state.
- Initiation of various strategies designed to curb organised criminal activities.
- Augmentation of the emergency response vehicle fleet under the Dial 112 service.
- Allocation of a one-acre plot for establishing a dedicated headquarters for these emergency services.
Addressing Police Encounters and Ongoing Security Concerns
The hearing also addressed sensitive issues regarding recent police encounters. The Punjab government's counsel, acting on instructions from the state police director, assured the court that all police personnel are operating strictly in accordance with the law and the guidelines established by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The division bench is presiding over a multifaceted case that extends beyond transfer policies. Key issues under scrutiny include:
- The security situation within Punjab's jails, a concern heightened by the televised interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from a Punjab jail.
- Various incidents of organised crime reported across the state.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 17, where these and other related issues will be examined in greater detail.
