Premium

Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement as state government plays it safe

The Punjab Government has studied the rules that say only the Election Commission, in “concurrence” with the Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, can reinstate IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal.

4 min readChandigarhUpdated: Dec 10, 2025 12:25 PM IST

IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal was suspended by the Election Commission of India during the Tarn Taran Assembly bypolls. (Photo: Fcebook@Dr.Ravjot.Grewal.IPS)

Punjab finds itself in a quandary over the reinstatement of IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal, who was suspended by the Election Commission of India during the Tarn Taran Assembly bypolls, as the rules state that the state government cannot bring her back even though the Model Code of Conduct is not in place.

Grewal, former Tarn Taran SSP, was suspended on November 8, ahead of the November 11 Assembly by-election.

The action came after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal lodged a complaint with the Punjab chief election commissioner against the officer, alleging that she was misusing the police to file “false” FIRs against his party’s leaders and workers to hinder their campaign for the Tarn Taran bypolls.

Election Commission’s consent

The Punjab Government, it is learnt, has studied the rules that say only the Election Commission, in “concurrence” with the Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT), Government of India, can reinstate the 2015 batch IPS officer.

For this, the state government will have to initiate correspondence with the poll body over Grewal’s reinstatement. However, sources said, the government was playing safe “so as not to be seen helping an officer, who ECI suspended.”

“It would be discussed after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann returns from Japan and South Korea. Communication can start only after his clearance. Mann is back from his trip on Tuesday. It remains to be seen as to what call he takes after seeing the file,” said a source privy to the developments.

Also read | Babbar Khalsa threats and police ‘dhakka’ allegations mark campaigning for Tarn Taran bypoll

“The matter came up for discussion when Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav appeared before the Election Commission also,” added the source.

Story continues below this ad

In a letter on May 31, 2023, the poll body wrote to all state chief secretaries that it will be “mandatory for the disciplinary authority to consult with the Election Commission”.

“The matter is proposed to be closed on the basis of the written explanation given by the officer concerned to enable the Commission to provide necessary inputs to the disciplinary authorities before the disciplinary authorities take a final decision. Further, DoPT had vide a communication on December 8, 2009, advising the Chief Secretaries of all states to obtain the Commission’s consent before reinstating any officer who is placed under suspension on the orders of the Commission,” said ECI.

‘Timing of FIRs’

Sibin C, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, said ECI had suspended Grewal, after taking cognisance of the serious lapses in impartial conduct during the MCC period enforced as a result of the announcement of bypoll in Tarn Taran.

“The report submitted by the Police Observer to ECI also highlighted that there had been coordinated and concerted actions by the State police, involving not just Tarn Taran Police but also the neighbouring districts like Amritsar, Batala, Moga and other adjoining Districts, raising serious concerns about impartiality of law enforcement during the election period,” Sibin said in the letter dated November 8, addressed to DGP, Punjab.

Story continues below this ad

After ECI’s order, DGP Yadav entrusted Ram Singh, Special Director General of Police, Punjab, to probe the matter.

Sources said that Grewal was suspended after a Kerala cadre Indian Police Service officer, a police observer, picked holes in the inquiry report submitted by Singh.

“In the report by the Kerala cadre IPS officer, the timing of the First Information Reports (FIRs) gave important clues. She was able to do it in just a few hours after studying the FIRs. It was on the basis of this report that Grewal was suspended,” said a senior official.

It has been learned that the Punjab Government asked a senior officer of the Department of Home to take whatever steps are necessary regarding the reinstatement of Grewal. However, the matter has not reached anywhere.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Indian Police Service

Loading Taboola...