Plea against decision to reinstate Thachankary

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday admitted a petition challenging the decision of the state government to reinstate IG Tomin Thachankary who had been under suspension for a year. The petition was filed by Bobby Kuruvila of Mithrakkari, Alappuzha."Thachankary was suspended on April 19, 2010, when he was serving as Kannur IG. Later the suspension was extended as recommended by the review committee. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had initiated a probe against Thachankary. Reinstating Thachankary in service will affect the credibility of the judiciary and the rule of law. Such an officer facing allegations from different corners should not be permitted to continue in service," the petitioner submitted.The Government Pleader submitted that a petition related to service matters should not be considered as a public interest litigation. "The petitioner is not challenging the seniority or promotion but the decision of the government to reinstate Thachankary in service," a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J Chelameswar and Justice P R Ramachandra Menon orally observed.