IPS Officer Sanjay Kundu Moves SC against Himachal HC Order Removing him as DGP

Senior IPS officer Sanjay Kundu has moved the Supreme Court against an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court that dismissed his plea seeking the recall of an order directing his removal from the position of DGP. The allegations against Kundu involve accusations of pressuring Nishant Sharma, a Palampur-based businessman who claimed to be under threat.

Advocate Gaurav Gupta has filed the appeal, which is currently pending listing for a hearing.

On January 9, the high court rejected Kundu and Kangra SP Shalini Agnihotri’s petition to reconsider its December 26, 2023, order for their transfer to avoid influencing the investigation. The court also declined their plea for a CBI probe and mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by officers at the Inspector General level to oversee investigations in all FIRs within two weeks.

Expressing disapproval of the conduct of the two officers, the high court remarked that the DGP’s attempt to settle the dispute appeared to be a questionable exercise of power. It characterized Kundu’s involvement in a civil dispute as highly improper and noted prima facie dereliction of duty on Agnihotri’s part.

On January 3, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the order directing the state government to remove Kundu from the DGP post. Instead, the court instructed him to file a recall application before the high court.