ADGP Criticized for Tractor Journey to Sabarimala: SPC Highlights Lapses

Fast Summary

• State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar submitted an examination report to the home Secretary regarding Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar’s use of a police tractor near sabarimala Sannidhanam.
• The ADGP admitted travelling on the tractor and claimed he did so because he was “tired while climbing the trekking path.”
• The report acknowledges that this act violated safety norms and should have been avoided, in this very way incidents must not recur.
• Kerala High Court had banned people from travelling on tractors in 2021 due to risks like reckless driving along crowded and difficult terrain.
• Last week, the Kerala High Court termed mr. kumar’s action as “unfortunate.”
• R. Jayakrishnan, sabarimala Special Commissioner, informed the court about the violation of its directive by ADGP Kumar.
• The Chief Minister may decide on further actions based on court instructions as no disciplinary measures were recommended in the report due to it being sub judice.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident involving ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar underscores concerns surrounding adherence to safety regulations at pilgrimage sites like Sabarimala. Tractors banned for passenger movement serve a vital logistical role for transporting goods; breaching such directives compromises public trust and risks precedent-setting behavior among officials tasked with enforcing these same rules.

The ban imposed by Kerala High court highlights both safety concerns and respect for established protocols during pilgrimages that attract large crowds over challenging terrain. While fatigue is understandable during arduous treks, senior officials are expected to model compliance rather then circumvent established guidelines. How authorities handle this breach could influence public perception of procedural accountability within governance structures.

Read more: Link