IPS officer Jasvir Singh’s forced retirement: Was it reprisal for questioning Yogi’s policies?

In a controversial move, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has forced 1992-batch IPS officer Jasvir Singh into compulsory retirement.

Singh, who had previously questioned the government’s policies and was instrumental in booking Yogi Adityanath under the National Security Act (NSA) years earlier, faced an extended suspension period of five years before being compelled to retire.

Singh’s case is raising concerns about the broader use of compulsory retirement as a tool for sidelining officers who don’t align with the government. In an interview on The Federal’s Capital Beat series hosted by Neelu Vyas, retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad weighed in, describing the action as “harsh” and “premeditated.” According to Azad, who has held significant positions, including Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Singh's disciplinary violations stemmed not from corruption but from his criticism of government practices, particularly Adityanath's encounter policy, and giving an interview without authorisation.

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Azad’s insights reveal the structural challenges honest officers face in a politically charged environment. Singh, known for his upright nature, had previously taken bold actions during his tenure, including the arrest of influential figures and his strong stance against perceived misuse of police powers. These actions seem to have led to a reputation that may have complicated his ties with the government.

Bid to silence dissenting officers

Critics argue that the compulsory retirement tool, originally designed to address non-performance, has been increasingly used as a method to silence dissenting officers. Azad highlighted that officers who quietly conform advance smoothly within the ranks, whereas outspoken ones often face penalties. He pointed out the worrying trend of rewarding mediocrity and sidelining honest officers, which he believes diminishes morale within the police force and undermines functional autonomy.

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Azad also emphasised that without substantial police reforms and guaranteed functional autonomy, the policing system risks breeding non-performing officers who merely follow political directives rather than enforce the law impartially. His remarks call into question the balance of power within India’s police services, where officers like Singh face punitive measures not for wrongdoing, but for challenging political authority.

As Singh considers appealing his forced retirement in court, his case serves as a powerful example of the pressures within India’s policing system. Azad urged that individuals like Singh could bring essential reforms, and the system must protect officers’ ability to work without fear of retaliation.

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