UPSC Rule on Appointment of State DGP

Why in the News

The Union Public Service Commission has revised the procedure for empanelment of State Director-General of Police (DGP). States must now obtain approval from the Supreme Court of India if there is a delay in submitting names for the DGP selection process.

Key Provisions of the New Rule

• Supreme Court Approval for Delays: If a State government delays sending the list of eligible DGP-rank officers, it must seek permission or clarification from the Supreme Court before the UPSC proceeds.
• Advance Submission of Names: States must send proposals to UPSC at least three months before the retirement of the incumbent DGP.

• No “Acting DGP” Appointments: The Court reiterated that appointing an Acting DGP is not permitted, as per earlier judicial directions.
• Exceptional Situations: Delays may be allowed only in exceptional circumstances such as: Death of the incumbent DGP, Resignation, and Premature relieving from service.

Background: DGP Appointment Process

• The UPSC prepares a panel of three senior IPS officers eligible for the post of State DGP.
• The State government then selects one officer from the panel to become the Head of Police Force (HoPF).

Judicial Basis

• The rules stem from the landmark police reform judgment in: Prakash Singh vs Union of India (2006)
• This case mandated reforms to ensure professional and politically independent policing, including a fixed tenure for DGPs and a transparent selection process.

Reason for the Change

• Several States had delayed sending proposals or appointed temporary/acting DGPs, bypassing the process.
• The R. Venkataramani stated that UPSC cannot condone such delays without Supreme Court approval.

Significance

• Strengthens transparency and uniformity in DGP appointments.
• Ensures compliance with police reforms mandated by the Supreme Court.
• Prevents political manipulation or temporary appointments in top police positions.