HC rejects petitions to strip police medal of ex-IPS officer

Dismissing two separate petitions, the court said the scope of a judicial review in such matters was limited.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday
dismissed petitions to strip police medal awarded to former
IPS officer Amod Kanth for his role in maintaining law and
order during 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying the decision was
taken and ratified by various authorities including the PMO.

"The original file containing the citation and notes
leading to the decision of the President has been produced
before and perused by the court. They reflect the application
of mind by several authorities in a hierarchical manner up to
the Prime Minister and the President of India," Justice S
Muralidhar said.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday
dismissed petitions to strip police medal awarded to former
IPS officer Amod Kanth for his role in maintaining law and
order during 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying the decision was
taken and ratified by various authorities including the PMO.

"The original file containing the citation and notes
leading to the decision of the President has been produced
before and perused by the court. They reflect the application
of mind by several authorities in a hierarchical manner up to
the Prime Minister and the President of India," Justice S
Muralidhar said.

"The role of the state machinery has come under critical
scrutiny. It is arguable that in the context of a tragedy of
such proportions, the state ought to display sensitivity to
the feelings of victim community and be circumspect in
hastening to award gallantry medals to the officials of the
law enforcement machinery soon after the events," the court
said.

16 persons, including four minor and five women, of
the family of Amrik and Trilok Singh were arrested on November
5, 1984, for allegedly opening fire on a mob which led to the
killing of two men inc

PTI

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