Only Officers Of Integrity Should Serve At Sabarimala: Kerala High Court Flags Pending Crime, Departmental Action Against Recent Appointee

The Kerala High Court recently highlighted the need to appoint officers of integrity and good service record for duty in the control rooms at Sannidhanam in Sabarimala.The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar flagged the crime and departmental proceedings pending against the recently appointed Police Controller, Sri. Krishnakumar R.The development comes in a suo motu petition initiated based on the Sabarimala Special Commissioner's report regarding the change of Police Controller at Sannidhanam. The Court, after considering the report, had expressed concern that the previous officer had held the post for the past 22 years. "The continued posting of the same officer in such a position of responsibility for such a prolonged duration can result in institutional entrenchment, adversely affecting transparency, efficiency, and the impartial administration of the affairs," it had said.Thereafter, it had directed the Chief Police Co-ordinator, ADGP (HQ) to submit the credentials, performance, character and service record of the new appointee. Further, there was a direction to submit details of all police officers that are currently holding critical positions in Sannidhanam and Pamba, continuously for a period exceeding two years.Pursuant thereof, the Chief Police Co-ordinator conducted an enquiry, which revealed that the Krishnakumar is arrayed an accused in a crime registered by the CBI and departmental proceedings were pending against him. Thereupon, he was removed from duty at Sabarimala.It was also reported that no other officer presently assigned to the Control Rooms has been posted at Sabarimala for more than two years.Noting the development, the Court thought it fit to close the proceedings. However, before parting, it gave a direction to the State Police Chief and the Chief Police Co-ordinator to ensure officers of integrity are to be posted at Sabarimala from now.It observed:“we direct the State Police Chief as well as the Chief Police Co-ordinator to ensure that henceforth, at Sannidhanam, only officers possessing integrity, and good service record, and the capability and aptitude to discharge their duties with dedication and promptitude shall be appointed to the various Control Rooms. The State Police Chief and the Chief Police Co-ordinator shall exercise due diligence, undertake stringent verification, and maintain the high standards of scrutiny before selecting and appointing officers for duty at Sannidhanam.”Case No: SSCR No. 34 of 2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 754Counsel for the respondents: S. Rajmohan – Sr. Government Pleader, G. Biju – SC – Travancore Devaswom BoardAmicus Curiae: Sayujya RadhakrishnanClick to Read/Download Judgment

Only Officers Of Integrity Should Serve At Sabarimala: Kerala High Court Flags Pending Crime, Departmental Action Against Recent Appointee

K. Salma Jennath

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