Punjab & Haryana HC annuls Chandigarh Police promotion rules for Head Constables

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has set aside the promotion rules governing Head Constables of the Chandigarh Police, holding that the regulations fall outside its jurisdiction. The bench examined the statutory framework and concluded that the police authority had exceeded its power in framing the criteria.

The decision nullifies the existing promotion pathway for senior constables, meaning that any pending or future promotions under the contested rules will be halted until a new, legally compliant system is introduced. Police officials have been directed to refrain from implementing the annulled provisions.

Lawyers for the police personnel welcomed the verdict, noting that it restores procedural fairness. The court has not prescribed an alternative mechanism, leaving the Chandigarh Police to draft fresh guidelines that align with the appropriate legal mandate.