Kerala High Court orders ACS to explain delay on complaint against DGP S. Sreejith

What Happened

The Kerala High Court directed Minhaj Alam, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), to personally appear before the court and explain why the state has not complied with its order to consider a complaint against DGP S. Sreejith. The complaint was filed by Dipin Edavana, an Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector from Malappuram, alleging that the DGP attended an inaugural function of a private entity abroad in his official attire.

The court had previously set aside an order by the then Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Biswanath Sinha, which had stated that the complaint was false and vexatious, and had directed that Edavana be given an opportunity to be heard. The court ordered a joint hearing involving Edavana and Sreejith to deliberate on the allegations as part of an inquiry into a related petition. Edavana declined to participate, arguing that it would be unfair to discuss his charges in the presence of the official concerned. The petition was closed on July 28, and when the State requested more time to comply with the order, Edavana argued that the three-week period had already elapsed and that any extension should have been sought earlier. The report was published August 18, 2026.

Why It Matters

The case centers on accountability within state leadership and the timely handling of complaints against a senior police official. A delay in responding to the court’s order raises questions about systemic compliance with judicial directions and could affect public trust in the police oversight process. The court’s demand for an explanation underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring due process in internal complaints against high-ranking officials.