High Court Upholds Penalty on CISF Constable for Midnight Lemon Request

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable challenging a penalty imposed for his actions.

Key Points:

• Incident: The constable knocked on his neighbor’s door, a woman alone with her child, at midnight seeking lemons for a supposed medical emergency.
• Court’s Observation: The court deemed the act “unbecoming of a CISF personnel” considering the following:
  • Odd Hour: Knocking late at night caused unnecessary alarm.
  • Suspicious Timing: The woman’s husband was known to be away.
  • Frivolous Reason: The request for lemons seemed like a pretext.
• Alcohol Consumption: The constable was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.
• Previous Arguments Rejected:
  • The constable claimed his actions were due to a medical emergency, which the court found unconvincing.
  • He argued the incident did not constitute misconduct as he was off-duty, but the court highlighted the 24/7 conduct expected of government officials.

Outcome:

• The court upheld the penalty imposed by the CISF, including a salary reduction for three years.

Additional Notes:

• This case emphasizes the importance of appropriate behavior for personnel holding positions of authority.
• The incident highlights potential safety concerns arising from late-night disturbances.