Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department to personally appear before it on August 20 after the state government failed to comply with an earlier direction to reconsider a complaint against S. Sreejith, a 1996-batch senior IPS officer of the Kerala-cadre.
The case concerns allegations that Sreejith attended the inauguration of a private enterprise abroad while wearing his police uniform. The complaint was filed by Dipin Edavana, an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector from Kannur.
Court Seeks Explanation Over Non-Compliance
Justice A Badharudeen issued the latest direction after the court was informed that its July 28 order had not been implemented within the prescribed timeframe.
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The court had earlier directed the authorities to reconsider the complaint after giving Edavana a personal hearing without Sreejith being present and to pass fresh orders within three weeks. The state subsequently sought additional time.
What the High Court directed
- Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department to appear personally
- Explain the failure to comply with the earlier order
- Reconsider the complaint after giving the complainant an independent hearing
- Pass a fresh decision in accordance with the court’s directions
Complaint Centres on Sreejith’s Foreign Visit
The complaint relates to Sreejith’s reported visit to Dubai in February 2026. An earlier report placed before the High Court stated that he had informed authorities about travelling to Dubai on casual leave on February 2 and 3, taking advantage of the holiday on February 1.
However, the court noted that the records placed before it did not establish that he had obtained permission to travel abroad specifically to participate in the inauguration of a private enterprise.
The petitioner’s materials included a pamphlet and photographs which, according to the complaint, showed Sreejith participating in the event while wearing his police uniform.
The April 2026 High Court order observed that “If the allegation is true, the same is very serious”, warranting an inquiry or investigation.
Earlier Inquiry Was Set Aside by High Court
The latest development follows an earlier intervention by the Kerala High Court in July.
The court had set aside a vigilance report that had effectively cleared Sreejith, holding that the complainant had not been provided a fair opportunity to present his case. The court particularly objected to the proposed joint hearing involving the complainant and the officer against whom the allegations were made.
The court subsequently directed the authorities to hear Edavana separately and reconsider the complaint.
Who Filed the Complaint?
The petitioner, Dipin Edavana, is an Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector associated with the Motor Vehicles Department. His original petition before the High Court sought consideration of complaints alleging misconduct in connection with Sreejith’s official conduct and foreign travel.
The April order recorded that the complaints had been received by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) and forwarded to the government for further action.
Sreejith Currently Serves as ADGP (Administration)
S. Sreejith, IPS, is currently serving as Additional Director General of Police (Administration), Police Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram. He had earlier served as Transport Commissioner of Kerala.
The High Court’s latest order does not determine the allegations against Sreejith. The immediate issue before the court is the state authorities’ failure to comply with the prescribed procedure for reconsidering the complaint.
Background: S. Sreejith, IPS
S. Sreejith, is a 1996-batch IPS officer of the Kerala-cadre who has held several senior positions in the state police and administration. He has served as Transport Commissioner of Kerala and has also handled key responsibilities at the Police Headquarters. He was recently promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) and is serving as ADGP (Administration) at Kerala Police Headquarters.
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