Journey of Yashpal Singhal from SP Kurukshetra to DGP and after retirement as Chief Information Commissioner
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal
The career trajectory of former Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal—from serving as Superintendent of Police in Kurukshetra to rising as Director General of Police, and later being appointed Chief Information Commissioner—has indeed been a mix of trials and triumphs. At times, it appears as though the word “destiny” has been intrinsically linked with his journey.
During his tenure as SP in Kurukshetra, an unexpected controversy erupted, leading to his suspension. The incident coincided with a proposed visit by the then Governor. Around the same time, a murder took place, and the victim’s family staged a protest by placing the body along the Governor’s route.
The situation quickly turned sensitive. Any decision to open fire could have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Exercising restraint, the police chose not to resort to firing—a decision widely seen as prudent under the circumstances. However, the Governor reportedly expressed displeasure over the handling of the situation and conveyed this to the then Chief Minister, Bansi Lal.
Under mounting pressure, Chief Minister Bansi Lal ordered Singhal’s suspension. The then DGP, Swadesh Kumar Sethi, has been reported to be in disagreement with the decision, particularly as he had not been consulted. In protest, he proceeded on leave for a few days. Meanwhile, the then DIG (CID), Satyendra, did not take a clearly defined position on the matter.
At the time, John V. George was serving as Inspector General (Law and Order) and was held in high regard by Bansi Lal. He reportedly urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the suspension, warning that such a move could adversely affect police morale. However, given the pressure from the Governor’s office, Bansi Lal is believed to have indicated that the suspension might be revoked once the situation stabilized.
Years later, during the tenure of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, when Singhal was serving as DGP, Haryana witnessed widespread unrest during the Jat reservation agitation. The handling of the situation drew criticism, including from former police officer Prakash Singh. However, some observers argue that the escalation of violence was also linked to delays in decisive political action.
As is often said in administrative circles, “the boss is always right.” Eventually, Singhal was asked to step down from his post.
Yet, his journey in public service did not end there. In what many would describe as a turn of destiny, he was later appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner of Haryana after his retirement.