SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, May 8: The Supreme Court on Friday restored the dismissal of a Jharkhand Police constable accused of securing jobs in both Jharkhand and Bihar Police by allegedly using forged documents and a fake identity, observing that “public employment, particularly in the police service, cannot be converted into an instrument of fraud.”
Allowing the appeal filed by the State of Jharkhand, a bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan set aside the Jharkhand High Court Division Bench order that had earlier quashed the dismissal of constable Ranjan Kumar.
The apex court held that the departmental proceedings were conducted fairly and that the findings of misconduct were supported by sufficient material on record. The bench observed that members of the police force are expected to maintain “the highest degree of integrity, honesty and discipline” and that fraud at the stage of entry into public service “strikes at the very root of public employment.”
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Accused of Joining Bihar Police Under Another Name
According to the judgment, Ranjan Kumar was appointed as a constable in Jharkhand Police in 2005. While posted in Garhwa district, he allegedly remained absent from duty after availing leave in December 2007.
During that period, he was allegedly appointed as a constable in the Bihar Police under the name “Santosh Kumar”, son of Kamta Sharma, using forged certificates and fabricated credentials.
The court noted that an enquiry conducted by the Bihar Police found that “Ranjan Kumar” and “Santosh Kumar” were the same person.
Referring to the allegations, the Supreme Court said the case involved “a deliberate and premeditated fraud upon two State police forces.”
Supreme Court Relies on Forensic, Biometric Evidence
The Supreme Court referred to an enquiry report submitted by the Bihar Director General of Police in 2026 following directions issued by the court.
The report stated that forensic comparison of fingerprints, biometric records and photographs established that both identities belonged to the same individual.
The bench observed that if individuals entrusted with enforcing the law themselves secure entry into service through “deception and fabricated credentials”, it would “seriously erode the rule of law.”
The court further said the continuance of such an employee in police service would be “wholly detrimental to institutional discipline, public confidence, and the credibility of the police force.”
High Court Order Set Aside
The Supreme Court ruled that the Jharkhand High Court Division Bench exceeded the limits of judicial review by reappreciating evidence in a departmental matter despite concurrent findings by disciplinary authorities.
The bench held that departmental enquiries are not criminal trials and strict rules of evidence do not apply as long as fair opportunity is given and conclusions are based on relevant material.
The court restored:
- The dismissal order passed by the Superintendent of Police, Garhwa
- The appellate authority’s decision
- The revisional authority’s order upholding dismissal
Criminal Proceedings to Be Examined
The apex court further directed the Directors General of Police of Bihar and Jharkhand to examine the criminal aspect of the matter and initiate appropriate proceedings in accordance with law.
The court also quashed the Bihar Police appointment order issued in the name of “Santosh Kumar”.