IPS officers' transfer case: Andhra HC refuses to interfere in ECI order

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday observed that it cannot interfere in the orders of the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the transfers of IPS officers in the state.

The ECI had recently ordered the transfer of Andhra Pradesh DG (Intelligence), and SPs of Kadapa and Srikakulam. Later, the TDP government had filed a petition in the High Court.

Senior advocate D Prakash Reddy argued in support of ECI. Advocate General D Srinivas, who represented the state government, argued that the ECI has no right to transfer DG (Intelligence), who has no connection with election duties.

The High Court bench led by Justice Praveen Kumar, heard arguments of both the parties and observed that it cannot interfere in ECI's orders.

In the wake of High Court's order, the Andhra Pradesh government has transferred DG (Intelligence) AB Venkateswara Rao who has been ordered to report to senior officials at the police headquarters.