'This Was Intentional': Kerala High Court Criticizes ADGP For Using Tractor On Sabarimala Road In Defiance Of Court's Previous Order

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (July 16) criticized the Additional Director General of Police (Armed Forces Battalion) for using a tractor belonging to the Kerala Police Department on the Sabarimala Swami Ayyappan Road on July 12 and 13.The High Court had barred the use of tractors for carrying people through the trekking path to Sabarimala back in November 2021. Their use is allowed for the limited extent of transporting goods."This is very unfortunate because this was intentionally done going by the report of the Special Commissioner...till the CCTV is coverage is there, he was walking..." the Judges orally remarked.It is alleged that where there was no CCTV coverage, M.R. Ajith Kumar IPS currently holding the post of ADGP (Armed Forces Battalion), travelled on the tractor.A Division Bench of Justices Anil K. Narendran and Muralee Krishna S. was hearing a suo motu proceeding, which was initiated following the report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala regarding the alleged incident.The Special Commissioner had also attached an earlier order of the High Court regarding the prohibition on use of tractors for carrying passengers in the Swami Ayyappan Road in Sabarimala.When the matter came up for consideration, the Court recollected that the prohibitory order was passed on being apprised that tractors move in a rash and negligent manner on the crowded traditional trekking path towards the shrine.Senior Government Pleader submitted that the 2nd Respondent (Director General of Police) has already sought for an explanation from the Addl. DGP regarding the incident.It was also submitted that Crime No. 235/2025 has been registered at Pamba Police Station under Sections 281 [Rash driving or riding on a public way] and 223 [Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sahita, Sections 66(1) [Necessity for permits for transport vehicles], 192A [Using vehicle without permit], 123 [Riding on running board, etc.] of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Noting the above submissions, the Court passed an interim order granting time to the Government Pleader to place on record an affidavit of the concerned Chief Police Coordinator on the above aspect. The case is next posted on August 4.Case No: SSCR No. 17 of 2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala Click to Read/Download Order

'This Was Intentional': Kerala High Court Criticizes ADGP For Using Tractor On Sabarimala Road In Defiance Of Court's Previous Order

K. Salma Jennath

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