The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Saturday conducted a hearing on a petition demanding the reinstatement of IPS officer Ilma Afroz as the Superintendent of Police in Baddi.
During the proceedings, the state government informed the high court that the transfer request for Ilma Afroz was initiated by the IPS officer herself.
Previously, the High Court had sought response from the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Chief Secretary. During Saturday’s hearing, the state Advocate General submitted replies on behalf of the Home Secretary and the DGP to a bench comprising Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Satyen Vaidya. The matter is now scheduled for its next hearing on January 9.
Background of the case
Ilma Afroz was appointed as the SP of Baddi in 2024, where her tenure was marked by efforts to curb illegal mining and drug trafficking. However, after attending a statewide meeting of Deputy Commissioners and SPs with the Chief Minister in Shimla on November 7, 2024, Afroz went on leave citing her mother’s health concerns.
This sudden leave raised questions and triggered political controversies, with opposition parties alleging undue influence by a local Congress leader. The government clarified that the leave was requested for personal reasons.
Afroz subsequently extended her leave and reported back to the Shimla Police Headquarters on December 16, 2024, but has not been assigned a new posting since.
Petition and court proceedings
The petition, filed by one Sucha Singh, emphasised the public’s demand in Baddi for Afroz’s return, highlighting her success in tackling local law-and-order issues. The petitioner argued that influential individuals had created circumstances forcing her to go on leave, and alleged violations of a prior High Court directive preventing her transfer without court approval.
During the hearing, the government clarified that Afroz herself had requested a transfer. The case will be further examined on January 9.
