The News Freedom
New Delhi, January 3
In a swift turn of events, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s order mandating the state government to remove Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu from his post. The apex court cited procedural grounds, highlighting that Kundu was not heard before the High Court issued the directive.
Kundu, embroiled in a contentious legal battle stemming from a businessman’s threat complaint, was shifted to the Ayush department on Tuesday. However, the Supreme Court’s intervention provides him with temporary respite, keeping him in the DGP role until the High Court decides on his plea for a reversal of the December 26 order within two weeks.
The High Court’s initial ruling stemmed from an October 2023 complaint filed by Palampur businessman Nishant Kumar Sharma. Sharma alleged receiving threatening calls from influential figures, including individuals linked to the DGP’s office, and documented a harrowing incident involving a perceived targeted attack in Gurugram.
Highlighting the potential for prejudice, the High Court deemed it crucial to remove both Kundu and Kangra Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri from their positions to ensure a fair investigation.