Delhi HC Reverses Forced Retirement of Ex-CISF Officer, Quashes 20-Year-Old Harassment Allegations

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The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant ruling in favor of a 72-year-old former CISF officer, whose forced retirement nearly two decades ago was reversed due to a lack of evidence in a harassment case. The officer, who was accused of sexually harassing a female colleague in 1999, had his 'honour' restored by the court, which also quashed the 2005 order that led to his compulsory retirement. The court found that the allegations against the officer were motivated and lacked credibility. Citing the fact that the complainant had previously been issued a warning by the officer for her behavior, the bench suggested that she may have filed the complaint as an act of vengeance. The court also noted that two out of three preliminary enquiries had previously cleared the officer's name. In its ruling, the court stated that the punishment of compulsory retirement was excessive and unnecessary. The officer's pension will be revised accordingly, and he will be eligible for a revised pension from March 1, 2026. The court's decision brings an end to a 20-year-long battle for the officer's reputation and livelihood. The case highlights the importance of ensuring that disciplinary actions are taken fairly and in accordance with evidence. In this instance, the court's ruling has restored the officer's honour and paved the way for a more just outcome. The decision serves as a reminder of the need for authorities to carefully consider the evidence before taking disciplinary actions that can have far-reaching consequences.