Shimla HC asks govt to submit panel for appointment of new SP Baddi

Sources stated: “During the resumed hearing, the court observed that locals want an SP in Baddi of their choice, while the government wants an SP of its choice.”

In an earlier hearing on January 4, the state government informed the court that Ilma Afroz had “opted to be transferred” from Baddi. Afroz had proceeded on 15 days of leave starting November 7, amid reports of differences with Congress MLA from Doon, Ram Kumar Chaudhary. The temporary charge of SP Baddi was handed over to Himachal Pradesh Police Service (HPPS) officer Vinod Kumar Dhiman on November 14.

The PIL was filed by Sucha Ram, a resident of Nalagarh, who sought Afroz’s reinstatement. The petition highlighted that during her tenure, Afroz took strict action against illegal mining, drug-related issues, and organised crime in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh development area.

Court raised concerns on Ilma Afroz’s transfer

On January 4, the state government informed the division bench that Ilma Afroz had sought her transfer and was moved to the state police headquarters effective December 16. The Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) submitted their replies to the court through the Advocate General.

The court, however, raised concerns about its earlier order in a criminal writ petition, which stated that the SP Baddi could not be transferred without prior permission from the high court. The division bench instructed the state government to produce all relevant documents related to Afroz’s transfer and scheduled the matter for January 9.

Notably, on December 27, the Shimla High Court had issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the DGP in response to the PIL filed by Sucha Ram, seeking the reinstatement of Ilma Afroz as SP Baddi.