‘Character and antecedents important while selecting cops’

When the plea moved by one A Praveen Kumar came for hearing, Justice S Vaidyanathan pointed out that the petitioner was involved in a criminal case that was booked under serious offences of IPC. “Therefore, he cannot casually ask for a suitable appointment in the Police Department, which is otherwise known as a disciplined force.”

Even though the petitioner contended that he was acquitted honourably, the court said a reading of the judgment of the Judicial Magistrate, Villupuram, made it clear that he was released on the ground of benefit of doubt. Hence, the judge added, Rule 14(2) in Sub-Rule (b)(iv) and Explanation (1) & (2) of the Special Rules for Tamil Nadu Special Police Subordinate Service Rules, 1978, would come into operation as stated in the magistrate’s impugned order. “It is for the authority concerned to decide whether the petitioner can fit into the post or not, and in the considered opinion of this court, the decision of the Superintendent of Police, Villupuram, not to recruit the petitioner as Grade II Police Constable does not warrant any interference by this court,” Justice Vaidyanathan held.