Rajasthan IPS Officer Demoted – Claims Order Is Contempt of Court

In a surprising turn of events, Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Pankaj Choudhary has been demoted over a rather unusual reason—his second marriage. Reports suggest that the state's Department of Personnel downgraded him for three years following an inquiry into allegations that he married again without legally ending his first marriage.

Choudhary, who currently serves as Superintendent of Police, Community Policing, at the Jaipur Police Headquarters, has been moved from the Senior Pay Scale (Level 11) to the Junior Pay Scale (Level 10). His demotion will be in effect for three years starting December 18, 2024, as per an order issued last week.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Choudhary strongly opposed the decision, calling it “illegal” and a “contempt of court.” He vowed to challenge the order, emphasizing that the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), the High Court, and even the Supreme Court had already ruled in his favor.

“The courts have not only cleared me but also directed that I should receive my due benefits within a specified time frame,” he said. He also questioned the timing of the demotion, pointing out that it comes nearly four years after he was given a clean chit.