Kochi: Former Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Tomin J. Thachankary has approached the Kerala High Court seeking permission to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to resume his employment, arguing that prolonged absence from work could cost him his job.
Justice A. Badharudeen, hearing the plea on October 24, granted the State government time to file its objections. The matter has been posted for further consideration on November 2, 2026.
Thachankary has sought modification of a bail condition that prohibits him from leaving India without prior permission from the court. The restriction was imposed after the High Court suspended his four-year prison sentence in a disproportionate-assets case.
Former DGP Seeks Permission to Rejoin UAE Employment
In his plea, Thachankary stated that he had been working in the UAE for approximately three years following his retirement from the police service.
Read Also: Kerala High Court Grants Bail to Former DGP Tomin J. Thachankary in Disproportionate Assets Case
He told the court that he was employed as an operations manager with Bhima Jewellers in Sharjah and was also a partner in Pulla Reddy Information Technology Consultants, a firm based in Dubai.
According to his submission, he had been unable to attend work for more than a month and feared losing his employment if he could not return soon. He argued that losing his job would seriously affect his livelihood.
His request seeks relaxation of the foreign-travel restriction so that he can resume his professional responsibilities in the UAE.
Why Was Foreign Travel Restricted?
The travel restriction followed a ruling by the Kerala High Court on October 15, 2026, when it suspended the four-year sentence imposed on Thachankary by the Special Judge (Vigilance), Kottayam, and granted him bail subject to conditions.
The conditions included a direction that he must not leave India without prior permission from the High Court. The court also required him to deposit 75% of the fine imposed by the trial court and execute a bail bond.
The underlying case concerns disproportionate assets. The vigilance court convicted Thachankary under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and sentenced him to four years of imprisonment, imposed a fine of ₹30.84 lakh, and prescribed an additional two months of rigorous imprisonment in default of payment.
The suspension of his sentence pending appeal does not amount to an acquittal. The conviction remains subject to the appellate proceedings.
Thachankary Says He Complied With Court Conditions
In support of his request, Thachankary submitted that he had complied with the conditions imposed by the High Court, including the requirement concerning the fine.
He also argued that he had travelled between India and the UAE during the trial with the court’s permission and had regularly attended proceedings. He claimed that he had not misused his liberty or attempted to abscond.
Who Is Tomin J. Thachankary?
Tomin J. Thachankary is a retired 1987-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre. According to the official IPS civil list, he joined the service on August 24, 1987.
During his career, he held senior positions in the Kerala Police, including the rank of Director General of Police. His service record also lists assignments at the Additional Director General of Police level.
After retirement, he took up employment in the UAE, according to the submissions described in his latest court plea.
The Kerala High Court is scheduled to consider the matter again on November 2, when the State’s response can be taken into account. Until the court issues a further order, the existing restriction on travelling abroad without its permission remains in force.
