Will the Supreme Court Address the Jharkhand DGP Appointment Dispute?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court's decision to hear a plea regarding Anurag Gupta's appointment as Jharkhand's DGP raises crucial questions about adherence to legal guidelines and the implications of this controversial appointment. Will this lead to a significant shift in the state's police leadership?
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to hear plea on DGP appointment.
- Appointment of Anurag Gupta raises legal concerns.
- Guidelines from Prakash Singh case are in question.
- Jharkhand government’s actions are under scrutiny.
- Potential impact on state police leadership.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has consented to promptly schedule a hearing regarding a petition that contests the appointment of Anurag Gupta as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Jharkhand.
Following a mention by senior advocate Anjana Prakash Gupta, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai agreed to present the case before a three-judge panel next week.
The senior counsel argued that DGP Gupta is serving in this position contrary to the guidelines established by the apex court in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India ruling.
This ruling mandates that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) must create a shortlist of three qualified IPS officers with clean service records and adequate residual service from a list supplied by the state. Subsequently, the state government is required to appoint one of these selected officers as the DGP, ensuring a minimum tenure of two years.
The petition claims that the Jharkhand government has appointed Gupta, whose name was absent from the UPSC-recommended list.
Furthermore, a new regulation was introduced to appoint Gupta, who is slated to retire on April 30, 2025, and has been granted an extension until April 2026.
In correspondence to the state government, the Union Home Ministry indicated that Gupta, having turned 60 in April 2025, is considered retired under the All India Services (AIS) rules and cannot remain in service.
The Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly and BJP state president Babulal Marandi has accused Gupta, a contentious officer, of having been suspended for two years due to irregularities during elections. Marandi filed a contempt petition with the Jharkhand High Court against Gupta's appointment, alleging breaches of the apex court's directives and UPSC selection guidelines for the DGP role.
On June 16, the Jharkhand High Court provided another chance for the state government and other parties to submit their replies. Earlier in July 2024, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government dismissed former DGP Ajay Kumar Singh before the end of his two-year term. Singh was appointed DGP on February 14, 2023, and was expected to serve until February 2025, but was removed prematurely.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the significance of legal adherence in appointments to key positions like the DGP. The Supreme Court's involvement underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within law enforcement agencies and ensuring that appointments reflect due process.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court hearing about?
The Supreme Court is hearing a plea challenging the appointment of Anurag Gupta as Jharkhand's DGP, questioning its compliance with legal guidelines.
Why is Anurag Gupta's appointment controversial?
Gupta's appointment is controversial due to allegations that it violated apex court guidelines and that he was not on the UPSC-recommended list.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's decision?
The Supreme Court's decision could lead to a reevaluation of Gupta's appointment and reinforce the importance of transparent processes in public service appointments.
Who is challenging Gupta’s appointment?
Senior advocate Anjana Prakash Gupta is challenging the appointment, along with opposition leaders like Babulal Marandi.
What does the judgment in Prakash Singh vs Union of India state?
The judgment stipulates that the UPSC must shortlist eligible IPS officers for the DGP position, ensuring a fair selection process.
