
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the plea of Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu, challenging the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s directive to shift him to a different post. The order from the High Court, issued on December 26, mandated the relocation of both the DGP and Kangra Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri before January 4, 2024. This decision aimed to prevent any potential influence on the ongoing investigation into the alleged harassment of Palampur businessman Nishant Sharma.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Sanjay Kundu, sought an urgent listing of the case and informed the Supreme Court of the DGP not being heard by the High Court before the transfer order was issued. Rohatgi argued, “According to the High Court, he (DGP) should be transferred out of his post in regard to some inquiry that is to be taken without hearing us.”
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, agreed to hear the plea on January 3, responding to the urgency requested by Rohatgi.
In a surprising development, Sanjay Kundu was removed from the position of Himachal DGP on Tuesday and posted as the Principal Secretary of the Ayush department. The High Court’s order sought the relocation of both the DGP and the Kangra Superintendent of Police to prevent any potential influence on the ongoing investigation.
The businessman, Nishant Sharma, approached the High Court, citing the need for protection against influential individuals, expressing constant fear for his life. While issuing the order, the High Court clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the claims, as the investigation was still incomplete.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Supreme Court’s hearing on January 3 will be crucial in determining the fate of Sanjay Kundu’s transfer and the ongoing investigation into the alleged harassment case.
Sources By Agencies