Is the Ad-Hoc Appointment of Tamil Nadu DGP Legal?
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Synopsis
A recent PIL filed in the Madras High Court questions the legality of G. Venkatraman's appointment as Tamil Nadu's DGP. With serious implications for the state's police integrity before the upcoming elections, this case could redefine appointment protocols in the police force.
Key Takeaways
- PIL filed against Tamil Nadu DGP's appointment.
- Claims violation of Supreme Court mandates.
- Petitioner's request for a proper appointment process.
- Concerns over police impartiality ahead of elections.
- Hearing scheduled for Monday.
Chennai, Sep 5 (NationPress) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Madras High Court, contesting the Tamil Nadu government's choice to appoint G. Venkatraman as the interim Director General of Police. This decision comes despite the presence of multiple senior officials eligible for a formal appointment to the role.
The petition, introduced by R. Varadaraj, a 69-year-old retired police inspector and current advocate, serves as the President of Nethaji Makkal Katchi. A division bench featuring Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan is set to deliberate on the matter this coming Monday.
Varadaraj, who dedicated 25 years to the Fingerprint Bureau before retiring voluntarily in 2005, contends that the state has violated important directives from the Supreme Court outlined in the pivotal Prakash Singh case of 2006. The Supreme Court had ruled that states are required to submit the names of all qualified DGP-level officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is responsible for compiling a shortlist of three distinguished candidates. The state is then obliged to appoint one of these candidates, ensuring a stipulated tenure of two years.
The petitioner asserts that Tamil Nadu should have forwarded the requisite list to the UPSC by May 2025, three months prior to the retirement of former DGP Shankar Jiwal on August 31.
However, the failure to submit the list in a timely manner has led to what Varadaraj describes as an "ad-hoc and questionable" appointment.
Notably, the petitioner points out that Venkatraman, who was serving as DGP of Administration, was responsible for compiling and sending the list to both the Home Secretary and the Chief Secretary, yet was ultimately chosen for the top position. Varadaraj claims this raises concerns about political motivations.
The PIL also warns that this ad-hoc appointment, occurring right before the 2026 Assembly elections, could jeopardize the neutrality of the police force. The petitioner has requested the court to annul the notification from the Home Secretary dated August 31, which appointed Venkatraman, and to mandate the government to commence the appropriate UPSC-led procedure for appointing a permanent DGP.
In the interim, Varadaraj has called for one of the three most senior officers in the DGP cadre to take charge and has sought a temporary order to prevent Venkatraman from assuming the position while the case is pending.
Point of View
Our stance is firmly rooted in advocating for transparency and adherence to the law in governance. The challenge against the ad-hoc appointment of the Tamil Nadu DGP highlights the importance of following due process, ensuring that the integrity of our police force remains intact, especially in light of upcoming elections. We stand for accountability and the rule of law.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue of the PIL?
The PIL challenges the legality of G. Venkatraman's appointment as the interim DGP, claiming it violates Supreme Court guidelines.
Who filed the PIL?
The PIL was filed by R. Varadaraj, a retired police inspector and advocate, who is also the President of Nethaji Makkal Katchi.
What does the petitioner want from the court?
The petitioner seeks to annul the appointment of Venkatraman and insists that the government follow the proper UPSC-led process for appointing a regular DGP.
What are the implications of this appointment?
The ad-hoc appointment could compromise the impartiality of the police force, especially with the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
When is the hearing scheduled?
The hearing is scheduled for Monday, with a division bench including Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan.
