The Allahabad High Court has set aside departmental proceedings initiated by retired decorated IPS officer Rakesh Singh, who had ordered the dismissal of constable Taufiq Ahmad. The constable had approached the court after his termination, seeking relief from what he argued was an unfair decision. The court’s ruling has directed Bareilly Police to reinstate him.
Case Rooted in 2023 Harassment Allegations
The dispute traces back to January 2023, when a 17-year-old girl accused Constable Taufiq Ahmad of sexual harassment aboard the Triveni Express. Her father filed a case under the POCSO Act, but a lower court acquitted the constable. Seeking to reverse this outcome, the girl’s father applied to nullify his reinstatement, leading then-IG Bareilly Range Rakesh Singh to dismiss Ahmad. Ahmad challenged this decision in the High Court, appointing Anura Singh, the daughter of Rakesh Singh, as his lawyer.
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Daughter Argues Against Father’s Order in Court
In court, advocate Anura Singh contended that the dismissal violated procedural rules and lacked adherence to departmental inquiry standards. She outlined gaps in the investigation and claimed the decision did not comply with legal norms. The court summoned her retired IPS father to respond, who defended his actions as appropriate and justified.
Verdict Brings Reinstatement and Mixed Reactions
After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court canceled the departmental action and ordered the constable’s reinstatement. While the judgment went against Rakesh Singh’s original order, he described the outcome as a personal victory, expressing pride in his daughter’s professional conduct and effective advocacy. For him, he said, it was a moment any father would cherish.