Three Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court by 170 Chief Inspectors and Inspectors of Police, challenging the promotion of 45 officers to the post of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) through a recent limited competitive examination.
The petitions, filed by Attorney-at-Law Manjula Balasooriya, have named the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the promoted ASPs, and members of the National Police Commission (NPC) as respondents.
The petitioners claim that 45 Inspectors of Police were promoted on September 25 based on the results of the examination, which they allege was marred by irregularities. They state that a question paper of the examination had been leaked, while the results were released after an unusual delay, which they argue was intentional.
Further, the petitions highlight that unlike in the past, when ASP promotions were largely based on seniority, this round was determined solely on academic performance, disregarding professional qualifications.
The petitioners allege several procedural irregularities took place during the conduct of the exam and seek a Supreme Court declaration that their fundamental rights have been violated. They are also requesting an order to annul the examination results.
