In a riveting display of professional duty overriding family ties, the Allahabad High Court has reinstated Uttar Pradesh police constable Taufiq Ahmad, previously dismissed by retired IPS officer Rakesh Singh, whose own daughter, advocate Anura Singh, successfully argued the appeal against her father’s order.
The case traces back to January 2023, when Ahmad, stationed with the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Bareilly, faced allegations of molesting a 17-year-old girl on the Triveni Express. The complaint, filed by the girl’s father, led to charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, resulting in Ahmad’s arrest and brief imprisonment. Though acquitted by a local court later that year, Ahmad faced departmental proceedings under Rakesh Singh, then Bareilly Range Inspector General, who ordered his dismissal on January 13, 2023, citing the gravity of the accusations.
Singh, a seasoned officer known for his uncompromising stance, described the dismissal as a “strict but duty-bound” decision. However, Ahmad appealed to the Allahabad High Court, represented by Anura Singh. In a bold legal challenge, Anura argued that the departmental inquiry violated the Uttar Pradesh Police Subordinate Ranks (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1991. She highlighted that the inquiry officer improperly assumed the disciplinary authority’s role by both confirming the charges and recommending punishment, a procedural lapse that undermined the inquiry’s validity.
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In a landmark ruling in July 2025, Justice Ajit Kumar upheld Anura’s arguments, quashing the inquiry report and dismissal order. The court mandated Ahmad’s immediate reinstatement and ordered a fresh inquiry to be conducted within three months, emphasizing adherence to proper protocol. Legal experts note that this decision reinforces the importance of procedural fairness in disciplinary actions, particularly within law enforcement.
Anura Singh, reflecting on the case, emphasized professional integrity: “This was about upholding justice, not personal ties. The court’s authority is paramount.” Her father, Rakesh Singh, expressed admiration for his daughter’s commitment, stating, “She did her duty, as I did mine. I’m proud of her resolve.” Ahmad, unaware of the father-daughter dynamic during the proceedings, expressed relief and gratitude, saying, “This verdict restores my faith in the system. I had no idea about their connection.”
The case has sparked widespread discussion in Uttar Pradesh’s legal and policing circles, highlighting the delicate balance between personal relationships and professional ethics. It also underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring fair disciplinary processes within the police force, with potential implications for future appeals.
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