Why in News?
The Centre notified a new single-window system for appointing State DGPs with detailed checklists and eligibility rules, including a six-month minimum residual service requirement. States must now submit proposals three months before the post falls vacant for UPSC clearance.
Description:
Who is the DGP?
- Director General of Police (DGP) is the highest-ranking police officer in a state or UT.
- Also known as the State Police Chief.
SC’s Landmark Judgement – Prakash Singh Case (2006):
- PIL filed by Prakash Singh (former DGP) in 1996.
- SC issued 7 directives to reform the police system and reduce political interference.
Seven Directives of the SC (2006):
- Fixed Tenure for DGPs:
- Minimum tenure of 2 years to ensure independent functioning.
- Transparent Appointment:
- DGP must be selected from among the top 3 officers empanelled by UPSC.
- Police Establishment Board (PEB):
- For deciding transfers, postings, and promotions.
- State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA):
- To hear complaints from the public against police personnel.
- Separation of Law & Order from Investigation:
- To improve professionalism and reduce workload.
- State Security Commission (SSC):
- To ensure policy direction and insulate police from political pressure.
- National Security Commission:
- For central police forces’ oversight.
SC Directive on DGP Appointment (2018):
- UPSC to shortlist 3 senior-most eligible officers.
- States must select one from the panel, considering they have at least 6 months of service left.
- DGP should have 2-year minimum tenure, irrespective of superannuation.
Contention by States:
- Police & Public Order Are State Subjects (7th Schedule).
- Some states (e.g., West Bengal) sought SC to modify its 2018 order, claiming:
- UPSC lacks legislative backing to empanel DGPs.
- Article 142 shouldn’t override state legislative powers.
- The CM should have discretion in appointing the police chief.
Issue of Temporary DGPs:
- States with Acting DGPs:
- AP, Telangana, UP, Punjab (1+ year).
- Uttarakhand, Odisha, West Bengal, J&K – recently appointed acting DGPs.
- Example: UP had 4 acting DGPs in 20 months.
MHA’s Directive:
- States must:
- Appoint regular DGPs per SC + UPSC norms.
- Use acting DGPs only in rare, exceptional cases.
Challenges in Implementation:
- As per CHRI Report (2020):
- No state fully complied with SC’s 2006 directives.
- 18 states enacted Police Acts post-2006, but none aligned fully with the SC’s model.
- States cite administrative flexibility and federalism concerns.
Constitutional Context:
- Article 142: SC can pass any order to do “complete justice.”
- Police & Public Order: Entry 2, State List – states’ domain.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040