Make retirement age 60 years, says DSPs’ plea before Ministry of Home Affairs

Although DSPs of the UT Police were brought under UPSC, their salary structure is based on the pattern of Punjab Police Service Rules, 1959, which follow the superannuation age of 58 years.

Chandigarh police Yearender 2021 (Representational/File)

AT LEAST four DSPs of Chandigarh Police have approached the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) requesting that their age of superannuation should be considered 60 years instead of 58 years as per the new policy bringing them under the umbrella of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

MHA had issued a notification bringing the DSP-rank officers of UT Police under UPSC on January 23, 2021. The rules were called ‘Deputy Superintendent of Police, Police Department, Union Territory of Chandigarh, Recruitment Rules, 2021’.

Although DSPs of the UT Police were brought under UPSC, their salary structure is based on the pattern of Punjab Police Service Rules, 1959, which follow the superannuation age of 58 years.

In the representation, the officers have claimed that as per a notification of Punjab government dated January 13, 1992, when a new policy for UT Police DSPs will come into effect, the previous notification will automatically supersede. The four DSPs comprise Dilsher Singh Chandel, Charanjit Singh Virk, Gurmukh Singh Saini and Nitya Nand Yadav.

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One of the police officers said, “The administration is following double standards with us. On the one hand, our promotions and other aspects were governed as per UPSC but the age of our retirement was kept as per the Punjab Police Service Rules, 1959. A notification of Punjab government, dated January 13, 1992, clearly states that when a new policy will be formed for Chandigarh Police DSPs then the previous notification will be automatically superseded. And this is the case with us. The fresh policy, dated January 23, 2021, which brings us under UPSC, automatically superseded the Punjab government notification of 1992.”

Before the new Recruitment Rules, 2021, the promotions of DSPs were cleared by a promotion committee comprising Adviser, Home Secretary, DGP and finally stamped by the UT Administrator. Now UPSC chairman is the chairman of Departmental Promotion Committee.

As per new Recruitment Rules, 2021, there are 23 posts of DSPs consisting of 14 existing, seven of IRB, one ex-cadre post of OSD equivalent to DSP and one ex-cadre post of Deputy Commandant, IRB. Seventeen posts out of 23 were occupied and the rest are yet to be filled.

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A source said, “A legal notice will be served to the respondent parties, which failed to respond to the representation of four officers.”

Sources said that a few DSPs of UT Police preferred to distance themselves from the representation.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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