NEW DELHI: it will now be difficult for state governments to appoint their favourite police officers as DGPs.Putting an end to favouritism and political influence in DGP-level appointment, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all states and Union Territories to consult the Union Public Service Commission three monthsprior to incumbent DGP’s retirement. The central recruiting agency will, then, shortlist the names of state DGPs and prepare a panel of three names based on their length of service, ‘very good’ record and range of experience for heading the police force, as stipulated by the Prakash Singh judgment of 2006.
The names shall be intimated to the state concerned, which will then immediately select and appoint one of the persons empanelled, the SC ruled. Taking a dim view of states appointing ‘acting DGPs’, the SC said, “There will not be any appointments of acting DGPs. Once appointed, a DGP will get a two-year tenure irrespective of superannuation.”
The three-judge bench of CJI Dipak Misra, judges D Y Chandrachud and A M Khanwilkar passed a slew of directions on a petition filed by former IPS officer Prakash Singh for reforms and transparency in the functioning and appointments in state police forces. In the seven-point directive, the court stated states would ensure that DGP is appointed through a merit-based transparent process and will have a minimum tenure of two years.
During the hearing, Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted that out of 24 States, only five — Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Rajasthan — have implemented the 2006 directions. He noted that some State governments even go to the extent of appointing their favourites as DGP just before their superannuation so that they could continue in service even after retirement date.
merit, seniority to count
Chief Justice Dipak Misra said there is no concept of acting DGPs. States shall avoid appointing a person as DGP just before his or her superannuation and let them continue for the next two years, he said, adding merit and seniority should be given due weightage while appointing DGP