CRPF Constable Dismissed for Marrying Pakistani Woman Without Mandatory Clearance

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A constable of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been dismissed from service for marrying a Pakistani national without securing the required departmental clearance — an act deemed a serious violation of service protocols and national security norms.

The jawan, posted in the 41st Battalion, was sacked with immediate effect for concealing the marriage and for "knowingly harbouring" his wife in India beyond the validity of her visa. The CRPF stated that his conduct breached service rules and posed a potential threat to national security.

The constable had earlier submitted a request to marry his cousin, a Pakistani citizen residing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, the marriage reportedly took place before any formal no-objection certificate (NOC) could be issued by the force. The matter drew heightened scrutiny in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.

In light of increased security concerns, India had temporarily suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and instructed all Pakistani citizens present in the country to leave before their visas expired. Sources indicate that the CRPF's Jammu and Kashmir Zone had recommended against allowing the marriage, and the case was referred to higher authorities due to its sensitive nature.

An internal probe revealed several procedural lapses, including the jawan's failure to report that his spouse had overstayed her tourist visa. While the constable claimed a long-term visa (LTV) application had been submitted, he did not officially communicate this to the department.

Authorities stated that the constable's actions violated Rule 21(3) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which mandates prior government approval for marrying foreign nationals.

Following orders for the removal of Pakistani citizens from Indian territory, the constable's wife was escorted to the Wagah border for deportation. However, she obtained a 10-day stay on the deportation from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on April 29, pending further legal review.

Her legal representative argued that she had applied for a long-term visa and had undergone an interview, with a favorable recommendation reportedly sent to the Home Ministry. The final decision on her stay in India is now contingent on the outcome of her visa application.