New Delhi, August 29, 2025 - The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the appeal filed by CISF Constable Amar Singh, who had challenged the disciplinary action taken against him for misconduct during service.
Case Background
Amar Singh, a constable with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), faced disciplinary proceedings after an incident on August 27, 1995. He was accused of leaving his camp without proper permission and entering a civilian residential colony, allegedly indulging in activities that affected the force’s reputation.
Following an inquiry, the disciplinary authority penalized him by reducing his pay to the minimum scale for three years, along with withholding future increments. On appeal, the punishment was modified by the appellate authority to a one-stage reduction in pay for two years, with no increments during that period.
Singh later approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the penalty. The High Court examined the matter and made two important findings:
- The constable did have permission to leave the camp in the form of an out-pass to visit a hospital.
- However, instead of going to the hospital, Singh was found at a residential colony 12 km away. Local civilians detained him until his superior officers intervened, assuring that departmental action would be taken.
The High Court concluded that while the first charge (leaving camp without permission) was not proven, the second charge (misconduct and indiscipline) stood established. It held that the punishment was justified and dismissed Singh’s petition.
Hearing the appeal, a bench of Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar upheld the High Court’s findings.
The Court observed:
“It is undisputed that the appellant was granted an out-pass to visit the hospital. Instead, he was found at a residential colony, 12 km away from the camp. The civilians detained him, and he was released only after intervention from his superiors who assured departmental action.”
The judges noted that although there was no evidence of trespassing into a civilian’s house, the fact that civilians had to intervene showed that Singh had indulged in “unwarranted activity” damaging the reputation of the force.
The Court further stated:
“The penalty as modified by the Appellate Authority is commensurate with the wrong committed. There is no breach of natural justice in the disciplinary proceedings.”
The Supreme Court dismissed Amar Singh’s appeal, refusing to interfere with the disciplinary action. The bench emphasized that members of disciplined forces are expected to maintain strict standards of conduct. The civil appeal was dismissed with no order as to costs.
Case Title: Constable Amar Singh vs Union of India & Others
Case Number: Civil Appeal No. 2986 of 2012
Date: 29 August 2025
Appellant: Constable Amar Singh (CISF)
Respondents: Union of India & Ors.