The Kerala High Court has issued notice to former Director General of Police Tomin J. Thachankary in a petition alleging misuse of official insignia after his retirement.
Justice G. Girish was considering a petition filed by C.T. Muneer of Kozhikode. Mr. Muneer also stated that the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Thamarassery, had dismissed his petition at the pre-cognisance stage, “on the erroneous ground that it failed to establish a prima facie case.”
Mr. Thachankary continued to use the official ‘Silver Star’ DGP number plate on his private vehicle to ‘falsely project himself as a serving officer ‘, the petition alleged. It also cited a specific instance where a news reporter had allegedly witnessed him using the insignia at the Vigilance Court, Kottayam, “to extract unmerited public respect and privileges”.
The petitioner stated that he had approached the local police authorities in Mukkam and the Superintendent of Police at Kozhikode, but they had refused to register his complaint.
Previously, the Motor Vehicles department had imposed a ₹250 fine on Mr. Thachankary over the alleged misuse of official insignia, and activist Kulathur Jaisinh had sought the registration of a police case against him.
The matter will be heard again on July 31.
Published – July 06, 2026 09:23 pm IST
