In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court confirmed the dismissal of a married police constable found to be in a live-in relationship with another woman, citing it as a breach of service rules.
Despite the constable’s acquittal in a rape case lodged by his live-in partner, the Court maintained that this did not justify overturning his dismissal. Dr. Justice SN Pathak emphasized that the constable’s actions were inappropriate for a police officer and violated service regulations.
The constable was suspended in June 2018 following the rape allegation, leading to departmental proceedings. Although he denied the charges, he was eventually dismissed from service.
His counsel argued that dismissal was only justified if there was a charge of bigamy, contending that a live-in relationship should not result in such a penalty. However, the State countered that the constable’s relationship constituted an “illicit relationship,” breaching the Jharkhand Service Code and Police Manual.
The Court noted the constable’s admission of the live-in relationship, underscoring that it was a sufficient reason for his dismissal under the relevant service rules.
Ultimately, the Court declined to interfere with the dismissal order, upholding the penalty imposed on the constable.
