Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s efforts to appoint the next Director General of Police (DGP) have run into fresh uncertainty after the Kerala High Court set aside the clean chit granted to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S. Sreejith, an IPS officer of 1996 batch, in connection with allegations that he undertook a foreign trip without obtaining prior government permission.
The development comes at a crucial juncture, with Director General of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Nitin Agrawalretiring on Friday and the government already grappling with the suspension of another senior contender, ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar (1995 batch), over disciplinary proceedings linked to the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas assault case.
The latest court order has significantly complicated the succession process for the state’s top police post.
High Court Quashes Clean Chit
Justice A. Badharudeen of the Kerala High Court quashed the compliance report submitted by the then Additional Chief Secretary (Vigilance), Biswanath Sinha, which had concluded that the complaint against S. Sreejith was false and vexatious.
The complaint was filed by Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector Dipin Edavana, who alleged that Sreejith had travelled abroad without mandatory government approval and participated in the inauguration of a private establishment while wearing his official police uniform.
The High Court observed that the inquiry process adopted by the state was procedurally flawed and failed to ensure fairness.
Court Finds Inquiry Procedure Defective
The court expressed serious reservations about the manner in which the complaint was examined.
According to the judgment, the complainant was compelled to appear in a joint hearing alongside the senior IPS officer against whom allegations had been made. The court held that such a procedure could intimidate a complainant and undermine an impartial inquiry.
Consequently, the High Court directed the Vigilance Additional Chief Secretary to conduct a fresh hearing, giving the complainant an opportunity to present his case independently and in the absence of Sreejith.
The court has directed that a fresh decision be taken within three weeks.
Ajith Kumar’s Suspension Had Already Complicated the Race
Even before the High Court’s intervention, the Kerala government had been facing a difficult situation following the suspension of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, who was widely regarded as the frontrunner for elevation to the DGP rank.
The government initiated disciplinary proceedings against Kumar over allegations that he attempted to interfere with the investigation into the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers by the security personnel of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme in Alappuzha in December 2023.
His suspension effectively removed the leading contender from the promotion race.
Sreejith Was Next in Line
Following Kumar’s suspension, S. Sreejith, currently serving as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, emerged as the next senior-most eligible officer for consideration.
However, the High Court’s order has now cast uncertainty over his candidature as well.
Although the court has not held Sreejith guilty, the reopening of the complaint means the government may find it difficult to process his promotion while the matter remains under fresh examination.
Government Faces Administrative Challenge
The twin developments have left the Kerala government facing a complex administrative and legal situation in filling one of the state’s most important policing positions.
With one senior officer under suspension and another facing a renewed vigilance inquiry following judicial intervention, the government will now have to carefully evaluate its options before forwarding any proposal for appointment as the next State Police Chief.
The outcome of the fresh vigilance inquiry ordered by the High Court could play a significant role in determining the eventual successor.
Background of the Complaint
The complaint alleges that S. Sreejith:
- Undertook a foreign visit without obtaining prior approval from the Kerala government.
- Participated in the inauguration of a private organisation while wearing his official police uniform.
- Was earlier granted a clean chit by the Vigilance Department, a decision that has now been set aside by the High Court.
The court has clarified that the complaint deserves reconsideration through a fair and independent inquiry before any final conclusion is reached.
A Critical Appointment Ahead
The appointment assumes added importance as Kerala Police continues to deal with major law and order responsibilities, cybercrime challenges, organised crime investigations and public security.
The next DGP is also expected to steer the force through key administrative reforms and strengthen policing initiatives across the state.
Until the government finalises its choice, uncertainty is likely to continue over who will eventually lead the Kerala Police.
