DGP told to decide on association for lower-rung cops

The petitioners’ will have the liberty to move the high court in case they are not satisfied with the decision.

The application had been moved by constables,police naiks,sepoys and assistant police sub-inspectors to form a common association to raise issues pertaining to their pay and double shifts.

The court had asked the state government on Wednesday if it would reconsider the application of the policemen.

Sakharam Yadawade,a head constable,had filed an application urging the court to direct the DGP and the state government to grant recognition to the association for the constabulary-level officers of the force.

The application stated that an association for these policemen was recognised by the state government in March 1982. However,after an alleged rebellion by some police personnel,the recognition was withdrawn.

In August 1982,hundreds of policemen went on strike to protest against their working conditions. They damaged property to an extent that the army and the Border Security Force had to be called in to control the situation. The DGP in August 1997 had rejected a fresh application signed by around 1,800 policemen seeking the formation of an association under the Police Forces (restriction of rights) rule,1966. Subsequently,this petition came to be filed in the high court.