In a significant legal triumph, Advocate Sourav Singh Tomar successfully represented Kamal Singh, a constable in the Madhya Pradesh Police, in a long-standing writ petition (W.P. No. 3200 of 2011) before the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Gwalior. The case revolved around denial of out-of-turn promotion to Kamal Singh despite his demonstrated bravery during an anti-dacoity operation.
The petitioner, Kamal Singh, was part of a 13th Battalion team that eliminated a dreaded dacoit, Suresh Gaud @ Bijju Mama, responsible for multiple murders and carrying a reward of ₹52,000 on his head. His extraordinary act of courage was acknowledged and recommended for out-of-turn promotion by both the Superintendent of Police and the Inspector General of Police under Clause 70-A of the Madhya Pradesh Police Regulations. However, in a later revision, the petitioner’s name was arbitrarily omitted from the final list of promotees without any justified reasoning.
Advocate Sourav Singh Tomar, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, vigorously argued against this administrative injustice, citing violation of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. He highlighted the clear case of discrimination and arbitrariness, especially since other similarly placed personnel were promoted for the same act of bravery.
The Hon’ble Court, in a detailed judgment, acknowledged the meritorious performance of Kamal Singh and the lack of transparency in the exclusion of his name. The Court emphasized that while out-of-turn promotion is not a legal right, the exercise of administrative discretion must not be vitiated by arbitrariness or bias.
Relying on judicial precedents and the compelling arguments advanced by Advocate Sourav Singh Tomar, the Court directed the State to grant Kamal Singh out-of-turn promotion along with all consequential benefits from the date others were promoted. The Court also set a three-month deadline for compliance, bringing long-awaited justice to a deserving officer.
This landmark case underscores Advocate Sourav Singh Tomar’s legal acumen, perseverance, and dedication to upholding justice for public servants who risk their lives in the line of duty. His success in the Kamal Singh case stands as a testament to his expertise in service matters and constitutional law, making him a go-to advocate for complex writ petitions and administrative disputes.