Uttarakhand HC Upholds Police Officer's Rights, Quashes Unfair Pay Cut

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In a significant ruling, the Uttarakhand High Court has struck down a lower court order that imposed a ₹500 pay cut on a police officer without allowing her to be heard. The case dates back to 2013 when Police Sub-Inspector Sarita Shah investigated a rape complaint and filed charges against two accused. However, the lower court acquitted them, blaming Shah for framing one of the accused under false charges. The judge directed Shah to pay ₹500 compensation to the accused, with her salary being deducted to cover the cost. Shah challenged the order, arguing that a pay cut is a punitive action that affects her career and cannot be imposed without a fair hearing. The high court agreed, ruling that the lower court's order was unreasonable and contrary to the principles of natural justice. The court set aside both the penalty and the adverse remarks made against Shah, upholding her right to due process.