division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman observed that a combined reading of the rules governing temporary appointments and the original promotion rules shows it is evident that for promotion as naik,

[17/05, 12:31] sekarreporter1: “the single judge dismissed their petitions.
A division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman observed that a combined reading of the rules governing temporary appointments and the original promotion rules shows it is evident that for promotion as naik, a candidate must have completed two years of service in the rank of Grade II police constable, and for promotion as havildar, he must be an approved probationer in the cadre of”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/hc-grants-relief-to-cops-who-were-part-of-stf-to-nab-veerappan/articleshow/131144277.cms#:~:text=the%20single%20judge,the%20cadre%20of
[17/05, 12:31] Meta AI: *Madras HC grants relief to cops who were part of STF to nab Veerappan*
_Madurai Bench | Division Bench: Justice N. Sathish Kumar & Justice M. Jothiraman | May 16, 2026_

*1. Background of the case*
*Appellants*: Police personnel originally appointed as _Grade-II Constables in 2002_.

*Career path*:
1. Promoted to _Naik in 2004_.
2. _5 months later_, promoted to _Havildar on temporary basis_ due to _“exodus of personnel on transfer from TSP VI Battalion to City/District AR”_. Order clearly said: _“temporary basis… will not confer any right or merit to further promotion”_.

*Veerappan connection*: In 2006, Tamil Nadu Govt issued GO granting _“one-stage accelerated promotion to 900+ police personnel”_ for _“courageous act of encounter and killing of Veerappan and his gang”_.

*2007 clarification*: GO said accelerated promotion _“not extended to accelerate seniority”_ – seniority between accelerated promotees & general promotees governed by panel position.

*Reversion*: Govt later issued order reverting these cops to lower post. They challenged it. Single judge dismissed their petitions. They filed appeals.

*2. Division Bench ruling – May 2026*
*Held*:
1. *No recovery*: State _“should not recover the benefits derived by them during their service as Sub-Inspectors (SIs) from the date of their promotion”_.
2. *Promotion rules*: _“For promotion as naik, a candidate must have completed two years of service in the rank of Grade II police constable, and for promotion as havildar, he must be an approved probationer in the cadre”_.
3. *Temporary promotions*: Their Havildar promotion was temporary/exigency-based and _didn’t confer right to further promotion_, but benefits already availed can’t be clawed back.

*3. Why relief was granted*
1. *Veerappan STF service*: They were part of Special Task Force that nabbed forest brigand Veerappan. Accelerated promotion was recognition of risking lives in Sathyamangalam forest.
2. *No fault of cops*: Govt gave promotions; now can’t recover salary/benefits after years of service as SIs.
3. *Precedent*: Similar to Karnataka HC order directing rewards for 72 forest STF personnel who fought Veerappan – courts stopping govt from going back on promises to STF members.

*4. Larger context – Veerappan STF cases May 2026*
1. *Karnataka HC*: Ordered rewards up to ₹3 lakh + residential sites for 72 forest dept STF personnel. Rejected state’s _“only 6 who were present on encounter day”_ argument. Held operation took _“years of intelligence gathering, risk-taking”_ – can’t reward selectively.
2. *Madras HC*: Earlier ordered TN govt to pay _₹2.59 crore pending compensation_ to villagers affected by STF excesses during Veerappan hunt. NHRC had ordered ₹5 crore total.

*Bottom line*: Madras HC protected cops from financial recovery even though their promotions were temporary. Recognized that STF personnel who hunted Veerappan _“risked their lives and sacrificed comfort of homes, spending years away from families in thick forest”_. Govt can’t take back benefits after they served as SIs.

Want the full text of the 2006 & 2007 GOs on accelerated promotion, or details on promotion rules for Naik/Havildar?