The Supreme Court of India has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to honor an 84-year-old retired sub-inspector, Ram Autar Singh Yadav, with ₹5 lakh, a commendation letter, and a citation for his extraordinary bravery in combating dacoits 38 years ago.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the state government for its “meagre” proposal of ₹1 lakh, emphasizing that such an act of valor deserved greater recognition. The court noted that the state should have been more “magnanimous” in acknowledging Yadav’s heroism.
Heroic Act in 1986
On March 13, 1986, Yadav, then stationed as the station house officer of Bisanda police station in Banda district, was ambushed by armed dacoits while traveling by bus. Using his service revolver, Yadav fearlessly engaged the attackers, killing Chhidawa, a notorious criminal linked to numerous cases of robbery and dacoity. His decisive action not only thwarted a robbery attempt but also saved the lives of passengers.
Despite a recommendation in 1989 by the local superintendent of police for the President’s Gallantry Police Medal, the proposal was shelved. Yadav’s repeated efforts to seek recognition were met with bureaucratic delays and legal hurdles.
Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court expressed regret that Yadav’s case for a national police medal had not been pursued. The court highlighted the potential morale boost such an award would have provided to the Uttar Pradesh police force.
“Had such a medal been awarded, apart from the benefits and privileges that go along with it, it would have been a huge morale booster for the entire police force of Uttar Pradesh and particularly for the appellant,” the court said.
The court also criticized the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Tribunal for dismissing Yadav’s plea on jurisdictional grounds and rebuked the high court for its “hyper-technical” refusal to hear his case due to delay.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
In its December 4 verdict, the Supreme Court overturned the high court’s decision and directed the Uttar Pradesh government to pay ₹5 lakh, which includes ₹1 lakh already proposed by the state and an additional ₹4 lakh. The court ordered the state to hand over the reward “with due dignity and honor” by January 26, 2025.
The bench acknowledged that no monetary reward could fully measure Yadav’s bravery but emphasized the symbolic importance of the recognition.
“Certainly, the amount of ₹5 lakh cannot be a full measure of the exemplary courage and valiance shown by the appellant… but it is intended to be a token of appreciation for the appellant in the winter years of his life for rising to the occasion when it mattered most,” the judgment stated.
A Call for Timely Recognition
The Supreme Court expressed hope that courts across the country would avoid dismissing petitions based on delays without considering the circumstances, urging a more empathetic approach to justice.
This ruling not only brings long-overdue recognition to Yadav but also underscores the importance of honoring acts of bravery that inspire and uphold the values of service and courage.
Sources By Agencies
