'ADGP S Sreejith's promotion is against rules': High Court strongly criticises government

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday strongly criticised the state government's decision to promote ADGP S Sreejith as Director General of Police (DGP) despite allegations that he had travelled abroad without official permission. Questioning the government's decision, the court asked why there was such haste in granting a promotion to an officer facing allegations. It also pointed out that vigilance clearance is mandatory for the appointment of an ADGP as DGP and observed that the promotion appeared to be in violation of the rules.

The High Court had recently quashed the clean chit given to Sreejith in the complaint alleging that he had misused his official position by travelling abroad without prior government approval. The court had also criticised Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha for protecting the officer. It had set aside the Chief Secretary's report, which had concluded that the allegations against Sreejith were baseless. The court had further observed that conducting a joint hearing with both Sreejith and the complainant was an improper procedure.

The complaint against Sreejith was filed by Dipin, who alleged that the officer had travelled abroad without official permission. After no action was taken on his complaint submitted to the Home Department, Dipin approached the High Court. The court then directed Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bishwanath Sinha to hear the complainant.

Meanwhile, the government maintained that Sreejith's promotion followed the existing seniority norms. The DGP-rank post fell vacant following the retirement of Fire and Rescue Services chief Nitin Agrawal. The next senior-most officer, Suresh Raj Purohit, is currently on central deputation, paving the way for Sreejith's promotion. The suspension of ADGP M R Ajith Kumar in connection with the alleged rescue operation cover-up case also worked in Sreejith's favour.