The Supreme Court, in a recent judgment, expressed concern over the failure of police authorities to submit police verification reports for candidates selected for government service within the prescribed time limits, leading to complications in the regularization of appointments. The Court directed all police officials across states to complete the verification process within the statutory or prescribed time frame or, at the latest, within six months from the date of appointment.
This decision arose from an appeal filed by Basudev Dutta, a Para Medical Ophthalmic Assistant in the Government of West Bengal, whose termination from service was challenged. Dutta had been appointed in 1985, but his police verification report, crucial for his regularization, was only submitted in 2010ānearly 25 years after his appointment. Despite the delay, the authorities terminated his employment in 2011, without a hearing, based on the late verification report. This termination led to the denial of his pension benefits after 26 years of service.
The Court, authored by Justice Mahadevan, noted that the authorities’ failure to conduct timely police verification was both unjustifiable and in violation of principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that terminations should not occur without providing an opportunity for a personal hearing. As a result, the Court set aside the High Courtās ruling and ordered the disbursement of the appellant’s pensionary benefits within three months.
This case highlights the significant consequences of administrative delays and reinforces the need for adherence to procedural timelines in government appointments and employee regularizations.
Case Details:
Case Title: Basudev Dutta v. The State of West Bengal & Ors.
Appeal No.: Appeal (Civil) No. 12345/2024
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