The transfer of government officials, such as collectors, judges, police and many others, is a routine affair as they might have completed their tenure at a place or are required elsewhere. But there are times when a transfer is not warranted. First, harassing an honest and upright officer with transfer orders within few months, days and even hours of having occupied the new position. Or given inconsequential postings. The second and important time is when an officer/s has/have been caught misbehaving, (mis) conducting critical and sensitive cases e.g., stampede (transfer of officers recently carried out after the incident at Shirgao), bribery, corruption, embezzlement of money, handling/mishandling riots, unprovoked lathi charge/shooting during a public demonstration and other happenings. An officer suspected of misdoings, not having prevented an incident or dereliction of duties should not be transferred, but sent on leave. Within 2-3 months the new officer/committee should verify the facts and prove/disprove the accusations and failure (if any) by the previous officers. Transferring an officer is an easy option but will not help to address the problem but create new ones and justice will be delayed.
