Kerala HC notices VACB Director on DGP probe plea
The Kerala High Court issued notices to the VACB Director on a petition challenging the government’s decision not to order a vigilance probe into DGP S. Sreejith. The case raises allegations of benami assets, foreign trips, and alleged irregularities during his tenure as Transport Commissioner.
Key takeaways
- The High Court has issued a notice to the VACB Director regarding a petition challenging the August 19 government order not to initiate a vigilance investigation into the DGP.
- The petition asserts potential benami assets, foreign travel without permission, and other irregularities linked to S. Sreejith, during his tenure as Transport Commissioner.
- A prior court directive had urged an enquiry, and the Additional Chief Secretary reported that the August 19 decision was issued after a hearing in the petition.
- Counsel for the petitioner are K.K. Dheerendrakrishnan and N.P. Asha.
What Happened
The Kerala High Court issued a notice to the Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on a petition challenging the government’s August 19 decision not to initiate a vigilance investigation into allegations against DGP S. Sreejith. The petition, filed by an assistant motor vehicle inspector in the case Dipin Edavana v State of Kerala and Others (WP(Crl.) 1315/2026), requests an inquiry and a report to the court.
Justice A. Badharudeen directed the notice. The petition contends that the August 19 order was issued without proper consideration despite material suggesting further inquiry. The court previously directed an enquiry into the complaint and, after a hearing, had arranged for an independent personal hearing for the petitioner in Sreejith’s absence. The Additional Chief Secretary later appeared and informed the court that an order finding no current need for a vigilance investigation had been issued.
Sources describe the petition as alleging that Sreejith’s tenure as Transport Commissioner included irregularities and benami transactions, and that the matter includes broader accusations related to his official conduct and potential foreign activity. The petition seeks to quash the August 19 order and direct the VACB Director to conduct a full inquiry and report promptly to the court.
The petition is documented under the case title Dipin Edavana v State of Kerala and Others, Case No: WP(Crl.) 1315/2026. Counsel for the petitioner are K.K. Dheerendrakrishnan and N.P. Asha.
Why It Matters
The court’s notice places scrutiny on the government’s decision-making process regarding corruption allegations against a senior police official, potentially triggering a formal investigation by the VACB. If a probe proceeds, findings could influence the perception of accountability in Kerala’s enforcement agencies and may affect how similar high-level complaints are handled in the future.
The dispute also highlights tensions between judicial directions for independent hearings and administrative steps taken by the state government, which could shape how internal inquiries are conducted in high-profile cases.
Background
The petitions allege that DGP S. Sreejith engaged in activities during his tenure as Transport Commissioner that include the formation of an unofficial squad to victimize staff and facilitate illicit transactions, as well as benami asset concerns and unapproved foreign trips. A prior court directive had asked for consideration of these allegations and a report, which the petitioners claim has not been adequately addressed in the subsequent August 19 order.
Reported statements indicate the petition also mentions a spa in the UAE allegedly held under benami ownership and associations with an accused in another case, though the court record focuses on the procedural challenge to the August 19 order and the scope of inquiry.
Key Facts
- Kerala High Court issued notice to the VACB Director on August 21, 2026, in Dipin Edavana v State of Kerala and Others (WP(Crl.) 1315/2026).
- The notice concerns a petition challenging the government’s August 19 order that a vigilance investigation into DGP S. Sreejith was not warranted “as of now.”
- The petition was filed by an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector and was heard by Justice A. Badharudeen.
- The court had previously directed an enquiry and arranged an independent hearing for the petitioner without Sreejith present; the Additional Chief Secretary later reported that the August 19 order had been issued.
- The petition alleges benami transactions, a spa in the UAE, unauthorised foreign travel, and a purported informal “Transport Commissioner’s Squad” during Sreejith’s tenure as Transport Commissioner.
- The case is tracked under WP(Crl.) 1315/2026; counsels are K.K. Dheerendrakrishnan and N.P. Asha.
What Happens Next
The court has asked VACB to respond to the petition and may direct a fuller inquiry depending on its assessment of the government’s August 19 order and the materials presented. A further order from the court could mandate an inquiry report to the bench or set conditions for proceeding with a probe into the allegations against the DGP.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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