NEW DELHI: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) last week reinstated Mr. Balbir Singh, an assistant sub inspector of Delhi police, who was implicated in the Indira Gandhi assassination case.
In an order pronounced by acting chairman of the CAT, Mr. V.N. Krishnan, and member judge Ms. Laxmi Swaminathan, the Delhi’ police was directed to take back Mr. ‘Singh in the police force within one month will all consequential benefits.
Mr. Singh, who was in the security arrangement of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi when the assassination took place, was dismissed from the service on March 16, 198Safterhe was arrested for his alleged involvement in the crime. After his arrest the Delhi police had ‘ordered a departmental inquiry against Mr. Singh, but the tribunal observed in its judgment that he was “dismissed without any inquiry being conducted.” “The application shall be treated to ‘be on duty from the date of suspension and accordingly he shall be entitled to the payment of his full salary with allowances for the above period, including consequential benefits,” the judgment said.
I am proud of my country’s judiciary,” was all that a visibly elated Mr. Singh could mumble. The CAT had earlier rejected the application for reinstatement by Mr. Singh, but on a special leave application the Supreme Court directed the CAT to decide the case within four months. The last date for the judgment by the CAT was to expire on December 21, 1995. ‘The judges of the Cat also directed the respondents (Union of India and others) to pay the arrears due to Mr. Singh within four months.
It further said that Mr, Singh will be entitled to be considered for further promotion if his suspension were already given the same benefit.
Balbir Singh was convicted by the trial court and was sentenced to death alleged involvement in the assassination of Mrs. Gandhi, The High Court had affirmed the sentence.
However, the Supreme Court had acquitted him on August3, 1988. He was in jail from November 1, 1984, till the date he was acquitted.
The CAT had rejected his application on the ground of limitation as he was dismissed in March 1989, while his application to the CAT was moved in April 24, 1990. “I have got so many liabilities now that whatever I would get after my reinstatement would go in payment of debt that have incurred in the 10 year period,” Mr. Singh said.
He said, “I have got four grown children none of whom are employed.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 22, 1995
