The Rajasthan High Court granted the reinstatement of 52-year-old police constable Rajesh Kumar, who was fired in 2000 on charges of wilful absence and involvement in a death in custody. According to Ashish Mehta, the single bench asked the state government to reinstate Kumar with all consequential and notional benefits, providing him relief after nearly 24 years.
In 2003, a trial court condemned Kumar for his role in the death of Radhey Shyam Darji in custody.
Kumar spent nearly 14 years in prison when the High Court upheld the lower court’s conviction.
However, the Supreme Court acquitted him in 2016 and directed the state government to reinstate him. Despite SC orders, the government did not cooperate, causing Kumar to file a civil writ in the High Court. “I will submit a fresh representation to the authorities, hoping to receive my dues. I spent almost 14 years in jail for a crime I did not commit. I hope justice will prevail,” Kumar stated in response to the HC decision.
