Acquittal in a criminal case does not grant an automatic right to reinstatement in service; the employee must submit a representation to be considered by the employer in accordance with the law.

ORDER:

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Heard Sri G. Ravi Chandrasekhar, learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Services-Home for the respondents.

2. This writ petition is filed questioning the order passed by the respondent No.4 in Rc.No.A6/APP/3078/2022-23 dated 17.02.2023 confirming the order passed by the respondent No.3 in Proceedings No.C.No.75/PR/A6/2016 dated 11.01.2017 as illegal and arbitrary and consequently set aside the said orders by directing the respondent Nos.3 and 4 to reinstate the petitioner into service forthwith with all consequential benefits including back wages, continuity of service along with increments and other monetary benefits.

3. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was appointed as Police Constable on 01.02.2012 at 12th Battalion APSP, Nalgonda and his service was regularized on 12.02.2014. Basing on the complaint dated 12.06.2016, a case was registered against the petitioner in C.C.No.355 of 2016 on the file of III Additional Junior Civil Judge-cum-III Additional Judicial Magistrate of First Class, Khammam, for the offences under Sections 323,506 read with 34 IPC, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him and dismissed from service by the impugned order in C.No.75/PR/A6/2016 dated 11.01.2017 passed by the respondent No.3 and the same was confirmed by the respondent No.4 in Rc.No.A6/APP/3078/2022-23 dated 17.02.2023. Thereafter, the petitioner was acquitted in C.C.No.355 of 2016 on the file of III Additional Judicial Magistrate of First Class, Khammam vide Judgment dated 26.02.2024. Learned Counsel submits that in view of acquittal in the criminal case, the respondents have to reconsider the case of the petitioner for reinstatement into service and requested to allow the writ petition.

4. On the other hand, learned Assistant Government Pleader for Services-Home submits that the petitioner has not get automatic reinstatement in view of acquittal in the criminal case and if the petitioner makes appropriate representation before the respondents, the same will be considered and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law in appropriate proceedings.

5. In reply, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that after acquittal from the criminal case, the petitioner has submitted a representation to the respondent authorities on 25.04.2026 through speed post and requested to direct the respondents to consider the said representation and pass appropriate orders in time bound manner.

6. In view of the said submissions and without going into the merits of the case, the Writ Petition is disposed of by directing the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 25.04.2026 and pass appropriate orders as per law within twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and communicate the same to the petitioner. No order as to costs.

7. Miscellaneous petitions, if any pending in this Writ Petition, shall stand closed.