Kochi: The Kerala High Court has quashed the clean chit granted to ADGP S. Sreejith (IPS:1996:KL) in connection with allegations that he travelled abroad without obtaining prior permission from the state government. The court also set aside the inquiry report submitted by Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha, observing that the inquiry suffered from serious procedural deficiencies and failed to provide a fair hearing to the complainant.
The order is significant as Sreejith is among the senior-most IPS officers in Kerala and has been considered a contender for higher leadership roles in the state police.
Complaint Led to High Court Intervention
The complaint was filed by Dipin Edavana, who alleged that the senior police officer had travelled abroad without mandatory government approval and had misused his official position.
After alleging that no action had been taken on his complaint, Edavana approached the Kerala High Court seeking judicial intervention.
The High Court subsequently directed the then Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Biswanath Sinha, to examine the complaint after hearing the parties and submit an appropriate decision.
Court Finds Inquiry Procedurally Defective
While examining the matter, the High Court found several shortcomings in the inquiry process.
The court observed that conducting a joint hearing of both the complainant and the officer concerned was improper and denied the complainant a fair opportunity to present his case independently.
It further noted that the inquiry report itself suffered from deficiencies, including the absence of even the date on the report, raising questions over its procedural validity.
As a result, the court quashed both the clean chit granted to Sreejith and the inquiry report prepared by the Chief Secretary.
Fresh Examination Expected
With the inquiry report now set aside, the complaint will require fresh consideration in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process.
The High Court’s order underscores the importance of ensuring transparency and fairness in administrative inquiries involving senior public officials.
