Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Monday passed an interim order regarding the promotion of constables to the post of Assistant Sub-inspector (ASI), stating that the entire process of appointment/ promotion will squarely depend on the final judgement of the writ petition filed by a section of constables.
In its order, the court said "It is directed that any filling up of post for the post of ASI shall remain subject to the result of the writ petition."
The court further clarified that the government can continue with the appointment/promotion process. But, the entire procedure will depend on the final result of the writ petition filed by the constables who were deprived of the promotion even after clearing the promotional examination, said Bidyalok Mohapatra, petitioner's counsel.
The State Government, Odisha DGP and IG have been made parties in the case, Mohapatra added.
Sources said the State government had issued notification on October 15 last year inviting application from the eligible constables to appear the exam for promotion. As many as 2,491 constables out of a total 5,000 candidates in general category had successfully passed the test while the government had promoted only 800 successful candidates to the rank of ASI.
Challenging the decision of the government as unlawful, remaining candidates who were deprived of the promotion had moved the High Court.
Notably, the ASIs are not recruited directly in the State police. The post is filled up through promotion of constables completing at least seven years in service.