Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to retired Director General of Police (DGP) Tomin J. Thachankary, an IPS officer of 1987 batch, in connection with allegations that he continued to use the official DGP insignia and number plate on his private vehicle even after his retirement from service.
The notice was issued by Justice G. Girish while hearing a petition filed by C.T. Muneer, a resident of Kozhikode, who challenged the dismissal of his private complaint by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Thamarassery. The petitioner has alleged that the former police chief falsely projected himself as a serving DGP by displaying the official “Silver Star” DGP insignia on his personal vehicle, thereby obtaining undue public respect and privileges.
High Court Examines Challenge to Magistrate Court Order
The petition before the High Court challenges an earlier order of the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Thamarassery, which dismissed Muneer’s complaint at the pre-cognisance stage.
According to the petitioner, the Magistrate erroneously concluded that the complaint failed to establish a prima facie case despite sufficient allegations regarding the continued use of official insignia by the retired officer.
The High Court has now sought a response from Tomin J. Thachankary before proceeding further in the matter.
Allegation of Continued Use of Official DGP Insignia
The central allegation in the case is that Thachankary allegedly continued to display the official “Silver Star” DGP number plate on his private vehicle after retiring from the Indian Police Service.
The petitioner contended that the insignia created the impression that Thachankary remained a serving Director General of Police, enabling him to command official recognition and receive privileges that are available only to serving senior police officers.
According to the petition, such use of official insignia after retirement amounts to misrepresentation and misuse of official symbols.
Reporter Allegedly Witnessed Use of Insignia
The petition also cites a specific incident in which a journalist reportedly saw the former DGP using the official insignia while visiting the Vigilance Court in Kottayam.
According to the petitioner, the insignia was allegedly used to obtain public respect and official courtesies despite no longer holding the office of Director General of Police.
The petitioner argued that such conduct undermines public confidence and violates norms governing the use of official emblems and insignia.
Police Allegedly Declined to Register Complaint
Before approaching the court, Muneer stated that he had submitted complaints to the Mukkam Police Station as well as the Superintendent of Police, Kozhikode, seeking registration of a criminal case against the retired officer.
However, according to the petition, the police authorities declined to register the complaint, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
Following the dismissal of his complaint by the Magistrate Court, Muneer approached the Kerala High Court seeking reconsideration of the matter.
Motor Vehicles Department Had Earlier Imposed Fine
The controversy is not entirely new.
The petitioner pointed out that the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department had previously imposed a ₹250 fine on Tomin J. Thachankary for allegedly displaying the official insignia on his private vehicle.
Separately, social activist Kulathur Jaisinh had also demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated against the retired police chief over the alleged misuse of the official emblem.
These earlier developments have now become part of the larger legal dispute being examined by the High Court.
Case to Be Heard Again on July 31
After issuing notice to the former DGP, the Kerala High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 31, 2026.
The court is expected to examine the allegations, the legality of using official police insignia after retirement, and whether the Magistrate Court was justified in dismissing the complaint at the preliminary stage.
The outcome of the proceedings could have wider implications regarding the use of official designations, symbols, and insignia by retired government officials.
About Tomin J. Thachankary
Tomin J. Thachankary is a retired senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who served as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Kerala. During his long administrative career, he held several important policing and administrative assignments in the state. Apart from police leadership, he also served in key positions in public sector organisations and government departments. Following his retirement, he has occasionally remained in public attention due to administrative and legal matters.
