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Recruitment – The Delhi High Court is set to take up a petition filed by the Union Public Service Commission on Tuesday, questioning a recent directive issued by the Central Administrative Tribunal that asked the West Bengal government to complete the appointment process for a new Director General of Police by January 31.

Hearing That Could Shape Police Leadership Before Elections

The upcoming hearing is being closely watched as it may decide whether West Bengal enters the forthcoming Assembly elections with a full-time police chief or continues under interim leadership. The legal uncertainty has already influenced administrative decisions, with senior IPS officer Peeyush Pandey being named to take charge only in an acting capacity rather than as a permanent DGP.

Background of the Tribunal’s January Order

The matter gained urgency after the Central Administrative Tribunal issued an order on January 21, directing the state government to forward its proposals to the UPSC by January 23. The tribunal aimed to ensure that the entire selection and approval process for appointing a new police chief would be concluded by the end of January.

Panel of IPS Officers Sent to UPSC

Complying with the tribunal’s timeline, the West Bengal government submitted a list of eight serving Indian Police Service officers to the UPSC last week for consideration. The list included the name of the current police chief, Rajeev Kumar, with the state also requesting an extension of his service so that he could continue in the top post.

Fresh Legal Hurdles Emerge

Just when the issue appeared to be nearing resolution, the UPSC moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the tribunal’s directive. This step added a new layer of complexity to a process that has already been delayed by procedural disagreements between the state government and the central recruitment body.

Established Procedure for DGP Appointments

Under existing norms, state governments are required to forward a panel of eligible senior IPS officers to the UPSC. From this list, the commission assesses suitability and clears one candidate for appointment as the state’s Director General of Police. The final decision is meant to ensure transparency, seniority, and adherence to judicial guidelines.

UPSC’s Objections to the State’s Panel

Controversy arose when the UPSC returned the panel submitted by the West Bengal government without approval. According to sources familiar with the communication, the commission advised the state’s chief secretary to seek clarity from the Supreme Court before proceeding with the appointment of a successor to Rajeev Kumar.

Roots of the Dispute Trace Back to 2023

The current standoff can be traced to December 2023, when the then DGP, Manoj Malviya, retired from service. Instead of sending a recommended panel of officers to the UPSC ahead of his retirement, the state government appointed Rajeev Kumar as acting DGP, a move that later drew procedural objections.

Supreme Court Guidelines at the Center of the Row

The UPSC has cited a Supreme Court ruling from July 2018, which clearly states that states must submit a panel of eligible officers at least three months before the retirement of a sitting DGP. In this case, the panel should have been forwarded by September 2023, well before Malviya stepped down in December.

What Lies Ahead

With the matter now before the Delhi High Court, the final outcome will hinge on judicial interpretation of procedural compliance and institutional roles. The court’s decision is expected to provide clarity not only on West Bengal’s police leadership but also on how strictly states must adhere to established timelines in future appointments.