In an unprecedented move, an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer couple, DIG Railways Lucknow Sudha Singh and her husband Dinesh Singh, submitted a joint application for Voluntary Retirement (VRS) to the Uttar Pradesh Home Department.
This is believed to be the first instance in India where an IPS couple has sought retirement from service simultaneously, sparking widespread discussion within police and administrative circles.
Both officers are from the 2011 IPS batch. While Sudha Singh is currently serving as DIG Railways in Lucknow, her husband Dinesh Singh has been on medical leave for over a year following a serious health crisis.
He suffered a brain hemorrhage while serving as SP Bijnor, and has been unable to resume active duty since then.
Citing personal and family reasons, the couple stated in their application that the decision was taken after careful consideration.
Sources indicate that Dinesh Singh’s ongoing health issues were a major factor behind the move, with Sudha Singh opting for early retirement to provide care and support to her husband.
According to reports, the couple plans to relocate to Jhansi, where they intend to focus on personal and family priorities.
The Home Department is now reviewing their application, which is also being examined in consultation with the Department of Personnel and the Police Headquarters.
Approval of such requests generally involves multiple levels of scrutiny, making this a significant case for the state government.
Interestingly, there are also rumours of another IPS officer seeking VRS, although no official confirmation has been made. Earlier, senior IPS officer K. Satyanarayan had also applied for Compulsory Retirement (CRS), and his case remains under process.
Sudha Singh, a 2006 batch officer, has served in various key roles during her career. Dinesh Singh has also held several prominent positions, including Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts such as Amethi and Bijnor.