Facts
The applicant, P.M. Pradeep, aged 55 years, is currently working as a Superintendent of Police (Non-IPS cadre) in the State of Kerala
Source reference: p.2He commenced service as a Sub Inspector on April 20, 1995, and progressed through various promotions, reaching Superintendent of Police (Non-IPS) on April 11, 2024
Source reference: p.2The applicant is due for retirement on May 31, 2026, upon attaining the age of 56 years
Source reference: p.2The Government of India has determined five vacancies for 2025 in the Kerala cadre for selection to the Indian Police Service (IPS) from State service
Source reference: p.2The applicant has an unblemished service record and ordinarily expects to be inducted into the IPS
Source reference: p.2However, due to a significant delay in convening the Selection Committee, the lists for 2025 and 2026 have not yet been finalized
Source reference: p.2The applicant apprehends that this delay, coinciding with his retirement, might jeopardize his chances of selection to the IPS
Source reference: p.2He previously filed O.A. No. 180/00152/2025, an order for which was issued on April 4, 2025
Source reference: p.4Issues
Whether the applicant's retirement from state service on May 31, 2026, due to attaining the age of 56 years, should prevent him from being considered for selection and appointment to the Indian Police Service
Source reference: p.2-3Law Applied
The Tribunal implicitly applied the principle that an impending retirement should not, in itself, be a barrier to consideration for selection and appointment to a higher service if the individual is otherwise eligible, especially when the delay in the selection process is not attributable to the applicant
Source reference: p.3Reasoning
The applicant articulated a concern that the delay in convening the Selection Committee for IPS induction for the 2025 and 2026 vacancy years would coincide with his retirement on May 31, 2026
Source reference: p.2He argued that this would unfairly prejudice his chances of selection despite his unblemished service record and eligibility
Source reference: p.2-3The Tribunal heard arguments from the counsel for the applicant and the respondents, acknowledging the potential for injustice if a procedural delay beyond the applicant's control led to his disqualification
Source reference: p.3By ruling that retirement should not stand in the way of consideration, the Tribunal indicated its intent to protect the applicant from the adverse consequences of administrative delays
Source reference: p.3Holding
The Tribunal declared that the retirement of the applicant at the age of 56 years on May 31, 2026, as per State Rules, shall not prevent his consideration for selection and appointment to the Indian Police Service for the appropriate vacancy year 2025-2026, provided he is otherwise eligible
The Original Application was disposed of without costs
Source reference: p.3Original Court PDF
P .M Pradeep v. Union of India and Others [Original Application No. 180/00118/2026]
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