Punjab Government Clears IPS Officer S.P.S. Parmar in Driving Licence Case; Departmental Proceedings Closed, Suspension Period Treated as Duty
Bringing an end to a departmental case that had remained under scrutiny for more than a year, the Punjab Government has officially exonerated senior IPS officer Surinder Pal Singh (S.P.S.) Parmar, dropping all disciplinary charges related to the driving licence case that had led to his suspension in 2025. The government has also directed that the entire period of his suspension be treated as official duty, restoring all corresponding service benefits.
The decision follows the completion of a departmental inquiry that reportedly found no evidence to support the allegations against the 1997-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre. Acting on the findings of the inquiry, the state government has formally closed the disciplinary proceedings initiated under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, effectively bringing the matter to a close from the government’s side.
The development marks a significant administrative decision for one of Punjab Police’s senior-most officers, who currently serves as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Punjab.
Punjab Government Formally Closes Departmental Proceedings
According to an order issued by the Punjab Home Department, all departmental proceedings initiated against S.P.S. Parmar have now been withdrawn.
The order states that the disciplinary action taken under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, stands closed after the competent authority examined the findings of the departmental inquiry.
The decision received the approval of the Governor of Punjab, who considered the inquiry report before accepting its conclusions.
With the closure of the proceedings, Parmar no longer faces any departmental charges arising out of the driving licence case that triggered the investigation. The government’s order effectively restores his official service status and ends the disciplinary process initiated against him.
Inquiry Finds No Evidence to Support Allegations
The departmental inquiry was conducted by Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Arpit Shukla, who was appointed as the inquiry officer to examine the allegations.
During the course of the investigation, the inquiry team scrutinised official records, documentary evidence and other relevant material connected with the case.
After completing the examination, the inquiry reportedly concluded that the allegations levelled against Parmar could not be substantiated by the available evidence. The report also observed that the Punjab Vigilance Bureau had acted in accordance with Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, while handling the matter.
According to the findings, no material was found that established misconduct, negligence or dereliction of duty on the part of the senior IPS officer. Based on these conclusions, the Punjab Government decided to withdraw all charges and formally close the disciplinary proceedings.
Suspension Period to Be Counted as Official Duty
One of the most significant aspects of the government’s decision is its direction regarding Parmar’s suspension period. The Punjab Government has ordered that the entire duration during which he remained under suspension will now be treated as official duty.
In service matters, such an order carries important implications because it restores continuity of service and protects various employment-related benefits. Treating the suspension period as duty generally ensures that the officer does not suffer any long-term loss in:
Salary and admissible financial benefits.
Service continuity.
Seniority.
Pension-related benefits.
Other service entitlements available under applicable rules.
The decision effectively removes the administrative consequences associated with the suspension.
Background of the Driving Licence Case
The controversy dates back to May 2025, when S.P.S. Parmar was serving as the Chief Director of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau.
He was placed under suspension following allegations of dereliction of duty linked to a driving licence-related case being investigated by the Vigilance Bureau.
The suspension attracted considerable attention because Parmar was heading one of the state’s most important anti-corruption agencies at the time. However, the suspension was not the final outcome of the proceedings.
In August 2025, after a few months under suspension, Parmar was reinstated into service while the departmental inquiry continued independently.
The government allowed him to resume official responsibilities pending completion of the investigation, making it clear that the inquiry process would determine the final outcome. Now, following the inquiry report, the matter has been officially resolved.
Government Accepts Inquiry Report
The latest order indicates that the Punjab Government accepted the conclusions reached by the inquiry officer after carefully examining the report. Since the investigation did not establish any misconduct or dereliction of duty, the disciplinary proceedings have been terminated.
The decision also signifies that the state government found no justification for pursuing further departmental action against the officer. With the inquiry now concluded, the driving licence case no longer remains a pending disciplinary matter from the state’s perspective.
Currently Serving as ADGP (Law and Order)
Following his reinstatement, S.P.S. Parmar continues to serve as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Punjab, one of the most significant operational assignments in the state police hierarchy.
The Law and Order wing is responsible for maintaining internal security, coordinating policing strategies and supervising law enforcement across Punjab. As ADGP, Parmar oversees critical policing operations while working closely with senior officers and district police units on issues relating to public safety and security.
The closure of the disciplinary proceedings removes any pending departmental uncertainty surrounding his service.
About IPS Officer S.P.S. Parmar
Surinder Pal Singh Parmar belongs to the 1997 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and is a Punjab cadre officer.
Unlike direct recruits selected through the Civil Services Examination, Parmar entered the IPS through promotion from the Punjab State Police Service (PPS), making him one of the senior promotee officers in the cadre.
Over the years, he has built an extensive policing career by serving in several important operational and leadership positions across the state.
His academic qualifications include:
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Industrial Economics
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing and Personnel Management
His combination of academic training and field experience has supported his long administrative career in Punjab Police.
Distinguished Career in Punjab Police
During his decades of service, Parmar has held several key assignments that have shaped his policing career.
His important postings include:
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mansa
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ludhiana Range
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bathinda Range
Chief Director, Punjab Vigilance Bureau
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Punjab
These assignments have given him extensive experience in district policing, vigilance administration, crime control and statewide law-and-order management.
In recognition of his professional service, he was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2014, one of the distinguished honours conferred upon police officers for exemplary performance.
Matter Officially Concluded
With the Punjab Government accepting the findings of the departmental inquiry, the proceedings against S.P.S. Parmar have now reached their formal conclusion.
The withdrawal of all charges, closure of disciplinary action and decision to treat the suspension period as official duty collectively restore his service record in relation to the case.
The government’s decision also reinforces the principle that departmental proceedings are ultimately determined on the basis of evidence produced during the inquiry process. With no allegations being substantiated, the state has officially exonerated the senior IPS officer, allowing him to continue discharging his responsibilities as Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) without any pending departmental action arising from the driving licence case.
