Court denies injunction to stop police promotions granted during govt. transition

The Civil Court decided on Tuesday that it cannot issue an injunction to stop promotions that were granted to a number of top police officials just days before the new administration took office.

At least six officials were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, and eight officials were promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police in mid-November.

The promotions had been handed out despite an appeal by the ACC in October to freeze all promotions during the transitional period.

Two weeks back, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case with the Civil Court seeking to stop the enforcement of the promotions.

But the court decided on Tuesday that the petitioner failed to submit the document stating how they wish the court order to be issued.

The court also decided that the suit filed by the ACC fails to meet the criteria, citing that the refusal of the police to follow ACC’s instructions does not pose an obstruction to the commission’s legal authority to conduct investigations.

The court said it was therefore unable to issue an injunction as requested.

After the promotions came to light, the police said the promotions were decided back in April, but was postponed until after the election, in order to avoid a possible negative image.

“There promotions were announced and decided back in April. These promotions were not handed out at the time as it was close to the election, and we found it could possibly create a negative public image,” said a police spokesperson.

The police insisted the promotions were granted in accordance with rules and regulations.