Kochi: In a major setback for Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S Sreejith, the Kerala High Court has quashed the government report granting him a clean chit regarding a complaint over an unauthorised foreign visit.

The court severely criticised the report submitted by Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, which was prepared during his tenure as Additional Chief Secretary. The High Court directed that the statement of the complainant, Dipin Idavara, must be re-recorded in detail without the presence of S Sreejith.

The court directed the Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Vigilance to hear the complainant within three weeks and take necessary action.

Key allegations and court observations

  • Unsanctioned travel and uniform misuse: The primary allegations against Sreejith state that he undertook a foreign trip without mandatory official permission and attended events wearing a foreign uniform.
  • Flawed procedure: The High Court observed that the government gave a clean chit without following proper procedures, such as recording the complainant's statement properly.
  • Joint hearing criticised: The court held that conducting a joint hearing with both the accused senior police officer and the complainant present was improper and put the complainant in a distressing position, as it could compromise evidence.

Impact on DGP promotion

This judicial development comes at a critical juncture when ADGP S Sreejith was being actively considered for promotion to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP), following the suspension of ADGP M R Ajith Kumar. Moves were underway at the government level to consider Sreejith for the vacancy arising from Nitin Agarwal's retirement.

Earlier, a Thiruvananthapuram court had ruled in Sreejith's favour in a defamation case he filed against K M Shajahan, who raised similar allegations. However, the state government will now have to decide how the High Court’s latest ruling impacts Sreejith's promotion prospects, with a final decision expected only after reviewing the complete judgment copy.