IPS Pankaj Chaudhari, a prominent figure in Indian law enforcement, has recently been in the spotlight following his demotion by the Rajasthan state government. The order, issued by the state’s personnel department, demoted him from a senior pay scale (level 11 in the pay matrix) to a junior scale (level 10), effective December 18, 2024. This incident has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about his controversial past and current standing in the police force.
Unraveling the Background of IPS Pankaj Chaudhari
Currently serving as the Superintendent of Police for community policing at the Jaipur police headquarters, Chaudhari has contested the legitimacy of his demotion, labeling it as illegal and a contempt of court. He asserts that the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), High Court, and Supreme Court have previously ruled in his favor regarding related issues, demanding timely benefits. Furthermore, he has raised concerns regarding the timing of the demotion, which came four years after courts had cleared him of wrongdoing.
Controversial Dismissal and Restoration
Chaudhari’s journey has been rife with controversy, especially regarding his personal life. He was dismissed from service for marrying a second time without legally divorcing his first wife. Fortunately for him, he was reinstated in May 2021 following favorable rulings from the CAT, Delhi High Court, and the Supreme Court, which highlighted procedural injustices in his dismissal.
Profile of IPS Pankaj Chaudhari: A Journey of Resilience
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| UPSC Civil Services Exam | Cleared in 2008 |
| Cadre Allocation | Rajasthan |
| Batch | 2009 |
| Current Position | Superintendent of Police (Community Policing) |
Political Aspirations and Achievements
In a significant career move, IPS Chaudhari contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and has since earned five national awards, including the Doing Good for India Award 2024. His second marriage was to Mukul Chaudhari, following a contentious first marriage to Sudha Gupta, for which he faced serious allegations that led to his administrative actions.
IPS Pankaj Chaudhari’s case serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by public servants in India. His ongoing legal and professional battles highlight the intersection of law enforcement, personal conduct, and public perception in the realm of governance and civil service.