The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held its decision on the petitions filed by senior officers Sanjay Kundu and Shalini Agnihotri, requesting the court to reconsider its order regarding their transfer. This move came following the high court’s December 26, 2023 directive to the state government to transfer then Director General of Police (DGP) Kundu and Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Agnihotri, aiming to ensure a fair investigation into a Palampur businessman’s complaint concerning threats to life and property.
In the recent hearing, a division bench comprising Chief Justice M S Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua listened to arguments from both sides and reserved its judgment. As per the court’s prior order, security measures for Palampur businessman Nishant Sharma, the complainant alleging threats, have been put in place.
During the proceedings, the DGP’s counsel emphasized that Kundu’s contact with Nishant Sharma aimed at resolving the dispute through mediation, asserting his innocence and a desire for an honorable retirement from service.Notably, the Supreme Court intervened by granting relief to Kundu on Wednesday, staying his transfer order. Consequently, Kundu approached the high court on Thursday, seeking a review of its decision.
Earlier compliance with the high court’s directive led to Kundu’s posting as Principal Secretary (Ayush) and the assignment of additional responsibilities to Additional DGP Satwant Atwal.Kundu’s petition received attention in the Supreme Court, resulting in the suspension of his transfer order during Wednesday’s hearing.