Himachal HC questions IPS officer’s transfer despite earlier order

The issue stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Sucha Ram, seeking Afroz’s reinstatement as SP Baddi. The petitioner highlighted a high court order from September 9, which mandated that the officer could not be transferred without the court’s consent. A representation by local residents to the Chief Minister on November 26 also requested her reinstatement, but no action has been taken.

Afroz, who had taken earned leave from November 7 to November 21 amid alleged differences with Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary, was replaced by Himachal Pradesh Police Service officer Vinod Kumar Dhiman on November 14. She returned to duty on December 17 but has not been assigned a new posting.

Petitioner Sucha Ram alleged that Afroz was pressured into taking leave and claimed that law and order in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development area deteriorated after her transfer. During her tenure, Afroz reportedly took strict action against illegal mining, drug-related crimes, and other organised activities.

The PIL further alleged that before Afroz’s posting, illegal mining operations, including 43 crusher units owned by politicians and MLAs near the Punjab and Haryana borders, operated unchecked. The petition also referenced a privilege motion filed by MLA Chaudhary during the Vidhan Sabha’s monsoon session in September, accusing Afroz of breaching his privacy.

Chaudhary, who had previously admitted to a case involving a truck from his firm being challaned for illegal mining, denied any involvement in Afroz’s transfer. He was one of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries removed from their positions after the high court invalidated the Himachal Pradesh Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Act, 2006.

Afroz, a Rhodes Scholar and graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, studied at the University of Oxford and has gained a reputation for her uncompromising stand against illegal activities during her tenure.