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HC sends SP Afroz transfer case to earlier bench

The state government yet to submit IPS officer panel despite court

Ilma Afroz is an alumna of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Rhodes Scholar who studied at the University of Oxford, England.

The division bench of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Satyen Vaidya on Friday forwarded the matter concerning the reinstatement of 2018 IPS officer Ilma Afroz to the previous bench that had, on September 9, 2024, directed that she not be transferred without prior court permission. The next hearing has been scheduled for February 28.

The bench also forwarded the state government’s application seeking modification of the earlier order, passed by the division bench of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja, which prohibited the transfer of Afroz from her post as SP Baddi. Meanwhile, the state government did not submit a panel of three IPS officers as instructed by the high court on Thursday.

Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan informed the division bench that the state government was not inclined to submit the panel at this stage. Instead, the government filed an application seeking modification of the September 9, 2024 order, which stated that Afroz shall not be transferred. The government had previously claimed that Afroz had herself sought a transfer from Baddi and was subsequently posted to the Police Headquarters (PHQ) in Shimla.

In its order, the division bench observed: “This application has been filed for transferring Superintendent of Police, Baddi, District Solan. It is brought to our notice that a Co-ordinate Bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja passed a detailed order on October 23, 2024, wherein certain directions were issued and a compliance report filed. Vide order dated September 9, 2024, directions had been issued that the officer, i.e., Superintendent of Police Ilma Afroz, who was also present when the abovesaid interim order was passed, shall not be transferred from the Police District, Baddi. In such circumstances, we deem it appropriate that the matter be heard by the same bench. List on February 28 before the same bench along with connected matter.”

Advocate RL Chaudhary, representing petitioner Sucha Ram, argued that the case should be handled by the earlier division bench, which ordered Afroz’s continuation as SP Baddi.

Afroz, who was posted as SP Baddi, went on a 15-day earned leave starting November 7 amid reports of differences with Congress MLA from Doon, Ram Kumar Chaudhary. The charge of SP Baddi was subsequently handed over to HPPS officer Vinod Kumar Dhiman on November 14. After returning to duty on December 17, Afroz has not been assigned a new posting and remains stationed at the PHQ in Shimla.

Petitioner Sucha Ram alleged that Afroz was pressured into taking leave and argued that law and order in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development (BBND) area had deteriorated since her transfer. He praised Afroz for her strict action against illegal mining, the drug menace, and organised crime during her tenure. The petition also highlighted the September 9, 2024 court order restricting her transfer.

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During the Vidhan Sabha’s monsoon session, MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary had filed a privilege motion against Afroz, accusing her of breaching his privacy. The matter was referred to DIG Abhishek Dullar for inquiry.

Chaudhary, who has denied involvement in Afroz’s transfer, was among six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries removed from their positions after the Shimla High Court invalidated the Himachal Pradesh Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Act, 2006, on November 13.

Ilma Afroz is an alumna of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Rhodes Scholar who studied at the University of Oxford, England.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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