Kerala High Court Deprecates ADGP's Action Of Using Tractor On Sabarimala Road Defying Its Earlier Orders, Closes Suo Motu Proceedings

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 6) expressed its strong disapproval against the action of M.R. Ajith Kumar IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Armed Forces Battalion) for using a tractor belonging to the Kerala Police Department on the Sabarimala Swami Ayyappan Road on July 12 and 13.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considered a suo motu proceeding, which was initiated following the report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala regarding the alleged incident.

The High Court had barred the use of tractors for carrying people through the trekking path to Sabarimala back in November 2021 in DBP No. 26/2021. Their use is allowed for the limited extent of transporting goods.

Earlier, the Court had sought an explanation from the Chief Police Co-ordinator [Additional Director General of Police (Police Headquarters)], Sabarimala regarding the incident. Accordingly, it was submitted before the Court that the ADGP admitted that he had used the Police department tractor on the said days for reaching Sannidhanam and back to Pamba. It was also stated that he was compelled to use the vehicle due to development of some health issues when he was trekking to Sannidhanam.

Recording the same, the Court observed:

"We deprecate in strong words the actions taken by a very senior officer of the police department. However, since explanation has been sought for from the said officer by the DGP as well as crimes have been registered for the transgression, we are of the view that by issuing directions to the Chief Coordinator as well as the Devaswom Board to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future, this SSCR is closed."

The Court noted that Crime No. 235/2025 has been registered at Pamba Police Station under Sections 281 [Rash driving or riding on a public way] and 223 [Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sahita, Sections 66(1) [Necessity for permits for transport vehicles], 192A [Using vehicle without permit], 123 [Riding on running board, etc.] of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

After recording the submissions and noting that crime has been registered, the Court closed the SSCR which was suo motu initiated by it.

Case No: SSCR No. 17 of 2025

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 485

Click to Read/Download Judgment

Click To Read/Download Judgment In DBP 26/2021