Thiruvananthapuram: In a politically charged and highly controversial administrative decision, the Kerala government has granted retroactive promotion to senior IPS officer Gugulloth Lakshman (IPS: 1997: KL) to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) with effect from January 1, 2022.
The move has triggered debate within administrative circles as it came after the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, following the state’s electoral defeat, and was reportedly issued after overriding objections from a high-level committee.
Promotion Approved Despite Committee Objections
According to official inputs, the promotion was cleared despite objections raised by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary and senior officials from key departments including:
- Home Department
- Local Self Government Department
- General Administration Department
The committee had reportedly raised concerns regarding Lakshman’s eligibility under service rules, particularly due to pending legal and disciplinary proceedings.
However, outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is said to have overruled the committee’s recommendation, directing that the promotion be granted.
Read also: Who Will Be the Next CBI Director? PM-Led Panel to Meet on May 12, Top IPS Officers in Race
Final Promotion Order Issued After CM’s Resignation
What has added further controversy is the timing of the official order.
Lakshman was initially issued a “final” promotion letter on the day election results were declared. However, after the Chief Minister submitted his resignation to the Governor, the General Administration Department revised the order and granted retroactive promotion effective from January 1, 2022.
The revised order was notably issued by an Additional Secretary (G.R. Rajesh) instead of the Chief Secretary, raising further procedural questions.
Legal and Service Rule Concerns
Under existing service rules, an IPS officer facing trial is generally considered ineligible for promotion. Lakshman’s case has been under scrutiny due to his alleged involvement in the Monson Mavunkal fake antique business case.
He was:
- Suspended in November 2021
- Reinstated in February 2023 as IG
- Suspended again later following his arrest in the same case
The controversy surrounding his service record has repeatedly placed his career progression under administrative and legal scrutiny.
Who is Gugulloth Lakshman?
Gugulloth Lakshman is a 1997-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, currently serving as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP).
Education & Background
- B.Tech from IIT Kanpur (1995 batch)
- MBA from IIM Bangalore (2010 batch)
- Belongs to the Banjara community from Khammam district, Telangana
- Fluent in English, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi
Career Profile and Key Postings
Lakshman’s career includes a mix of policing, intelligence, and public sector management roles:
Major Police Roles
- Inspector General of Police (Training)
- IGP, Traffic & Road Safety Management
- IGP, Internal Security and Security
- Various roles in Crime Branch and Intelligence wings
- ASP, Alappuzha (early career posting)
Corporate & Administrative Assignments
- MD, Travancore Cements Ltd (TCL)
- MD, Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco)
- CEO, BSE SME Exchange (Mumbai)
- MD, MATSYAFED
Suspensions and Legal Troubles
Lakshman’s service record has been marked by multiple disciplinary actions:
First Suspension (2021–2023)
Suspended over alleged links with fraudster Monson Mavunkal in a fake antique scam.
Second Suspension (2023–2024)
Arrested by Crime Branch and suspended again, leading to a nearly one-year removal from service.
He was reinstated later after a review process noted completion of investigation proceedings.
Current Posting
Following his promotion, Lakshman is currently serving as:
- Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
- Managing Director, Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation (KPHCC)
Political and Administrative Questions Raised
The timing of the promotion—coinciding with the political transition in the state—has raised questions over:
- Overruling of committee recommendations
- Procedural validity of retrospective promotion
- Issuance of orders after resignation of the Chief Minister
- Compliance with service rules for officers under trial
