Kochi: Former state police chief T.P. Senkumar on Thursday challenged his removal from the post in the Ernakulam Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal and sought permission to continue. The CAT bench comprising Justice N.K. Balakrishnan and Padmini Gopinath, member, issued notices to the Central and state governments and the new police chief Loknath Behera. The Bench will consider the case next Tuesday.
Mr Senkumar argued that the newly sworn-in LDF government meted out an unfair treatment to him. The scale of pay was Rs 80,000 while serving as DGP and now it has been reduced to Rs 75,000. He further contended that he was the senior-most IPS officer in the Kerala cadre of 1983 batch. The new DGP is of 1985 batch and junior to him.
He argued that his ouster was in violation of the Supreme Court order and Section 97 (1) of Kerala Police Act. The reason stated in the order is only a punitive measure and without any reason. The state government sought 10 days to present its view as the new Advocate General is yet to assume charge. The state defended its action and submitted that Kerala Police Act grants permission to transfer any officer.
The state invoked Section 97 (2) (e) of the Kerala Police Act 2011 which empowers the state to take action if there is serious dissatisfaction in the general public about the efficiency of police in his jurisdiction. He was transferred to the post of chairman and managing director of Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation on deputation.
