The petition before the High Court contests an earlier order of the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Thamarassery, which rejected Muneer's complaint at the pre-cognisance stage.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a notice to retired Director General of Police (DGP) Tomin J. Thachankary, an IPS officer from the 1987 batch, over allegations that he continued displaying the official DGP insignia and number plate on his private vehicle even after retiring from service.
The notice was issued by Justice G. Girish while hearing a petition filed by C.T. Muneer, a resident of Kozhikode, who challenged the dismissal of his private complaint by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Thamarassery. The petitioner alleged that the former police chief wrongly presented himself as a serving DGP by exhibiting the official “Silver Star” DGP insignia on his personal vehicle, thereby securing unwarranted public respect and privileges.
High Court Reviews Challenge to Magistrate Court Order
The petition before the High Court challenges an earlier order of the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Thamarassery, which dismissed Muneer’s complaint at the pre-cognisance stage.
According to the petitioner, the Magistrate incorrectly concluded that the complaint did not disclose a prima facie case despite adequate allegations concerning the continued display of the official insignia by the retired officer.
The High Court has now called for a response from Tomin J. Thachankary before taking the matter forward.
Allegation of Continued Display of Official DGP Insignia
The principal allegation in the case is that Thachankary allegedly continued displaying the official “Silver Star” DGP number plate on his private vehicle after retiring from the Indian Police Service.
The petitioner argued that the insignia conveyed the impression that Thachankary was still a serving Director General of Police, allowing him to receive official recognition and privileges reserved for serving senior police officers.
According to the petition, such continued use of the official insignia after retirement constitutes misrepresentation and improper use of official symbols.
Reporter Allegedly Observed Use of Insignia
The petition also refers to a particular incident in which a journalist reportedly noticed the former DGP using the official insignia while visiting the Vigilance Court in Kottayam.
According to the petitioner, the insignia was allegedly displayed to receive public respect and official courtesies despite no longer occupying the office of Director General of Police.
The petitioner maintained that such conduct weakens public confidence and breaches norms governing the use of official emblems and insignia.
Police Allegedly Refused to Register Complaint
Before approaching the court, Muneer stated that he had submitted complaints to the Mukkam Police Station as well as the Superintendent of Police, Kozhikode, requesting registration of a criminal case against the retired officer.
However, according to the petition, the police authorities declined to register the complaint, prompting him to seek relief through judicial intervention.
Following the dismissal of his complaint by the Magistrate Court, Muneer approached the Kerala High Court seeking a fresh consideration of the matter.
Motor Vehicles Department Had Earlier Levied Fine
The controversy is not entirely new.
The petitioner pointed out that the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department had earlier imposed a ₹250 fine on Tomin J. Thachankary for allegedly displaying the official insignia on his private vehicle.
Separately, social activist Kulathur Jaisinh had also called for criminal proceedings to be initiated against the retired police chief over the alleged misuse of the official emblem.
These earlier developments have now become part of the broader legal dispute currently being examined by the High Court.
Case to Be Heard Again on July 31
After issuing notice to the former DGP, the Kerala High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 31, 2026.
The court is expected to examine the allegations, the legality of using official police insignia after retirement, and whether the Magistrate Court was justified in dismissing the complaint at the preliminary stage.
The outcome of the proceedings could have broader implications regarding the use of official designations, symbols, and insignia by retired government officials.
About Tomin J. Thachankary
Tomin J. Thachankary is a retired senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who served as the Director General of Police (DGP) in Kerala. During his lengthy administrative career, he held several significant policing and administrative assignments across the state. In addition to police leadership, he also served in important roles within public sector organisations and government departments. Since his retirement, he has occasionally remained in the public spotlight because of administrative and legal developments.