Coma Cop Gets Justice: Court Orders Salary & Leave

In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court directed the state government to provide special disability leave and clear pending salaries for a police constable. This constable has been in a coma since sustaining severe injuries in a road accident in August 2021 while on duty. The court acknowledged that official reports and a medical assessment indicating 85% disability were sufficient grounds for entitlement under service rules.

The state government had initially opposed the plea, questioning the confirmation of the constable being on duty due to the absence of an FIR. However, the court found official communications and the unique disability ID to be adequate. The bench also referred to Section 20(4) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, underscoring the protection of government employees who acquire disabilities during service.

The court's order mandates the granting of special disability leave, the release of salary arrears from August 2021, and the continuation of salary payments until the constable's retirement. The police department is required to finalize this process within 30 days of receiving the official order.