The Supreme Court on Wednesday (03.01.2024) intervened to halt the enforcement of a Himachal Pradesh High Court directive that had instructed the state government to relocate Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu (IPS:1989:HP). The High Court’s order came in response to a complaint filed by a Palampur businessman. The Supreme Court emphasized that the transfer of the officer was implemented without allowing him to present his case.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud-led bench stayed the High Court’s directive and directed the high court to address Kundu’s plea for a reconsideration of the December 26 order within two weeks. Furthermore, the bench specified that Kundu’s transfer to the principal secretary position in the Ayush department would also be put on hold until the high court decides on the IPS officer’s application.
The bench, including justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, asserted, “Till a decision on the petitioner’s recall application, the high court order on transfer shall remain stayed. Since the petitioner’s new posting is under the impugned order of the high court, no steps shall be taken.” The order was issued following Kundu’s petition earlier in the week, expressing concern that the unfavorable directive was issued without granting him the opportunity to present his perspective.
