Jharkhand High Court Orders Reinstatement of CISF Constable Removed After Bokaro Steel Plant Theft
Court Calls 1999 Dismissal ‘Harsh and Disproportionate’
Constable Cleared of Wrongdoing After 27 Years
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: February 21, 2026:
In a landmark decision, the Jharkhand High Court has ordered the reinstatement of a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable who was dismissed from service in 1999 following a theft incident at the Bokaro Steel Plant. The Court described the punishment as “harsh and disproportionate”, noting that there was no evidence of misconduct in the constable’s service record prior to the incident. This ruling comes nearly 27 years after the alleged theft, offering long-awaited relief to the petitioner.
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Background of the Case
- In 1999, a theft of approximately 100 kilograms of materials occurred during the constable’s duty shift at the Bokaro Steel Plant.
- The CISF removed him from service, alleging negligence in preventing the theft.
- The constable challenged the dismissal, arguing that he was unfairly punished despite no direct involvement in the theft.
- A single judge of the Jharkhand High Court had earlier quashed the removal order, but the CISF and central government appealed against it.
Court’s Observations
The Division Bench of the Jharkhand High Court upheld the single judge’s ruling, making several key observations:
- There was no evidence that the constable’s career was tainted before the incident.
- The punishment of dismissal was excessive compared to the alleged negligence.
- The Court emphasized that disciplinary actions must be proportionate to the misconduct.
The Bench noted that while negligence could warrant disciplinary measures, outright dismissal after decades of service was unjustified.
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The Order
- The Jharkhand High Court directed the CISF to reinstate the constable.
- The Court dismissed the appeal filed by the central government and CISF.
- It reaffirmed that disciplinary authorities must act fairly and avoid imposing disproportionate punishments.
Wider Implications
This ruling has significant implications for service law and disciplinary proceedings:
- It reinforces the principle of proportionality in punishment.
- It sets a precedent for cases where employees are dismissed for alleged negligence without direct evidence of misconduct.
- The judgment strengthens the rights of government employees to challenge unfair disciplinary actions.
Past Judicial Stand on Service Law
Indian courts have consistently emphasized fairness in disciplinary proceedings:
- The Supreme Court has ruled that punishments must match the gravity of misconduct.
- High Courts have intervened in cases where employees were dismissed for minor lapses, stressing the need for proportionality.
Expert Views
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Legal experts welcomed the ruling:
- “This judgment is a reminder that disciplinary authorities must act with fairness and proportionality,” said a senior lawyer specializing in service law.
- Analysts believe the ruling will encourage employees to challenge unjust dismissals and demand accountability from disciplinary bodies.
Conclusion
The Jharkhand High Court’s decision to reinstate the CISF constable after 27 years is a powerful affirmation of fairness in disciplinary proceedings. By calling the dismissal “harsh and disproportionate,” the Court has set a precedent that strengthens employee rights and ensures justice in service law. For the constable, this ruling marks the end of a decades-long battle for dignity and reinstatement.
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