IPS Ilma Afroz’s Transfer Sparks High Court Debate, Next Hearing on January 9

Shimla, January 4, 2024: The Himachal Pradesh High Court today heard a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the immediate posting of IPS officer Ilma Afroz as SP Baddi. During the hearing, the state Home Secretary and DGP, through the Advocate General, informed the court that Ilma Afroz had herself requested a transfer. Consequently, she has been posted at the police headquarters since December 16.

The case was presented before Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Satyen Vaidya. Earlier, a bench of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Rakesh Kaithal had issued notices to the officials, seeking clarification in response to the PIL filed by Sucha Ram.

Petitioner Sucha Ram argued that Ilma Afroz’s prompt reinstatement in Baddi is critical for ensuring public safety and effective law enforcement. He emphasized that her previous tenure in the area had brought significant action against drug and mining mafias. He claimed that without her presence, the police have failed to take stringent legal actions against these elements in the region, including Baddi, Barotiwala, and Nalagarh.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 9, 2024.