Has the CAT instructed the Bengal government to propose new DGP names by January 23?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Central Administrative Tribunal has instructed the West Bengal government to submit names for the new DGP to the UPSC by January 23. With current Acting DGP Rajeev Kumar set to retire soon, the urgency for the new appointment is paramount amidst rising controversies.
Key Takeaways
- CAT mandates West Bengal to propose new DGP names.
- Deadline for submission is January 23.
- Current acting DGP Rajeev Kumar retires on January 31.
- Controversies surround the appointment process.
- Protocol requires timely submission of IPS officer lists.
Kolkata, January 21 (NationPress) The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has mandated that the West Bengal government submit names for consideration to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the selection of a new Director General of Police (DGP) by January 23.
Following the empanelment suggestions from the state government, the UPSC is expected to announce the panel by January 28 and reveal the identity of the new chief of the state police.
At present, the West Bengal Police lacks a full-time DGP, as Acting DGP Rajeev Kumar is due to retire on January 31.
According to established protocol, the state government must provide a list of three current IPS officers for the DGP position, from which the UPSC will appoint one.
Disputes began to arise regarding the DGP appointment earlier this month when the UPSC returned the list of recommended IPS officers put forth by the West Bengal government.
The UPSC Director for All India Services, Nand Kishor Kumar, also urged West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty to seek the necessary clearance from the Supreme Court for Rajeev Kumar's successor appointment.
This situation traces back to the retirement of Rajeev Kumar's predecessor, Manoj Malviya, who stepped down as DGP in December 2023. Instead of forwarding a panel of three IPS officers at that time, the state government opted to designate Rajeev Kumar as the acting DGP.
Although the state government has recently submitted a panel of IPS officers for his successor, the UPSC rejected it, citing a Supreme Court ruling from July 2018. This ruling stipulates that a state must submit a recommended panel of IPS officers for the DGP position at least three months prior to the retirement of the current DGP. The West Bengal government did not adhere to this procedure in this instance.
By that logic, the state should have presented the panel in September 2023, which was three months before Malviya's retirement.
Point of View
I believe the recent developments regarding the DGP appointment in West Bengal highlight the critical need for adherence to established protocols, which ensure transparency and fairness in appointments. The ongoing controversies emphasize the importance of a stable leadership structure within the state's police department to maintain public trust and safety.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for West Bengal to submit names for the new DGP?
The deadline for the West Bengal government to submit names for the new DGP is January 23.
Who is the current acting DGP of West Bengal?
The current acting DGP of West Bengal is Rajeev Kumar, who is set to retire on January 31.
What has caused the delay in appointing a new DGP?
The delay in appointing a new DGP is due to the West Bengal government's failure to follow the Supreme Court's directive to submit a panel of IPS officers at least three months before the retirement of the sitting DGP.
