Supreme Court Transfers Kullu Officials Over Kasol Rave Parties: Impartial Probe Ordered

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the immediate transfer of Kullu Deputy Commissioner Anurag C Sharma and Superintendent of Police Madan Lal, agreeing with the Himachal Pradesh High Court's earlier order that found them negligent in preventing rave parties in Kasol from June 7 to 11.

The High Court had ordered the transfer of these officers, along with Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nishant Kumar, for failing to maintain public order. The senior officials had challenged the High Court's directive before the Supreme Court, arguing that the gatherings were not 'rave parties' and that they should have been heard before the order was passed.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana stayed further action on the First Information Reports (FIRs) and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe ordered by the High Court. However, the bench ruled that to ensure an impartial departmental inquiry, the officers must be transferred out of Kullu district.

The court's decision balances the need for a fair investigation against the necessity of administrative action. The transfers are effective immediately, marking a significant development in the ongoing handling of the Kasol incident.