Setback for 249 Chandigarh Police Constables

Chandigarh : The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dealt a blow to 249 constables of the Chandigarh Police by dismissing their plea seeking exemption from the B-1 promotion test. The court ruled that all eligible personnel, including those with years of service, must appear for the exam alongside newly recruited constables.

The petitioners had argued that due to their long tenure in the force and prior experience, they should be exempted from the B-1 test, which is a requirement for promotion to the next rank. They cited earlier instances where exemptions were granted under special circumstances and claimed that forcing them to appear again was unjustified.

However, the High Court did not accept their argument and stated that the rules regarding promotions and testing must be applied uniformly. The bench emphasized that no preferential treatment can be given merely based on seniority unless specifically provided for in the official regulations.

As a result of the judgment, the 249 constables will now be required to appear for the B-1 test along with newly appointed personnel. The decision has caused disappointment among the constables, some of whom have served in the department for over a decade. Many of them were hoping to secure promotions without undergoing the test, especially those nearing retirement.

Sources in the police department said that preparations are now underway to conduct the B-1 test for both new recruits and existing constables simultaneously. This unified approach is intended to maintain transparency and standardization in the promotional process.

Senior officials from Chandigarh Police have welcomed the court’s decision, saying it will ensure a fair and merit-based promotion system. The department is also expected to release updated guidelines for the test in the coming days.

Meanwhile, some of the affected constables are considering filing a review petition or approaching higher courts for relief. However, legal experts believe the High Court’s interpretation of the promotion rules sets a strong precedent that may be difficult to challenge.