Is CM Vijayan Seeking Legal Advice on UPSC's New SPC List?
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Synopsis
With a critical deadline looming, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is weighing legal options on the UPSC's selection for the new State Police Chief. Can he navigate the legal landscape to appoint his preferred candidate? This situation raises questions about governance and the influence of state leadership in police appointments.
Key Takeaways
- CM Vijayan seeks legal advice on SPC appointments.
- The UPSC has shortlisted three candidates from Kerala.
- Legal challenges may arise from the 2011 Police Act.
- Time is limited as the current SPC is retiring.
- The situation underscores governance complexities.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 28 (NationPress) Just hours after the UPSC team convened in New Delhi and selected three candidates from the list provided by the Kerala government for the position of the new State Police Chief (SPC), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested legal counsel regarding the matter.
Reports indicate that CM Vijayan is consulting with esteemed legal experts to explore whether the chosen list can be circumvented, potentially to appoint one of his favored police officials.
The list forwarded to the UPSC by CM Vijayan included notable IPS officers: Nithin Agarwal, Ravadha Chandrasekhar, Yogesh Gupta, and Manoj Abraham, all of whom hold the rank of Director General of Police.
It is alleged that the Vijayan administration attempted to add two Additional Directors General of Police—Suresh Raj Purohit and the CM’s preferred M.R. Ajith Kumar—to the list, but this was rejected.
The UPSC did not consider Abraham among the four names, as the other three had unblemished service records.
Sources reveal that CM Vijayan is examining how seven other states have appointed acting SPCs even in the presence of qualified officials.
He is contemplating whether Kerala could adopt a similar approach to bring in either Kumar or Abraham.
However, T. Asaf Ali, former Director General of Prosecution for Kerala, cautioned that this is unfeasible under the current provisions of the 2011 Police Act.
“Vijayan should recall the backlash from altering the rules to appoint a new SPC upon taking office in 2016. The individual who was replaced obtained relief from the supreme court, so any attempt to designate an in-charge SPC should be avoided,” Ali advised.
Time is of the essence for CM Vijayan, as he has just one working day on Monday to make a decision before the current SPC, Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, retires, necessitating a new SPC to take over by evening.
Point of View
This unfolding situation highlights the intricate balance between legal frameworks and political influence in law enforcement appointments. CM Vijayan's pursuit of legal consultation underscores the complexities involved when governance intersects with legal statutes. It is imperative to uphold the integrity of the selection process while ensuring that qualified individuals are appointed to critical positions.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led CM Vijayan to seek legal advice?
CM Vijayan is exploring the possibility of circumventing the UPSC's selection for the new State Police Chief to appoint a candidate of his choice.
Who were the candidates considered by the UPSC?
The UPSC considered Nithin Agarwal, Ravadha Chandrasekhar, Yogesh Gupta, and Manoj Abraham for the SPC position.
What challenges might CM Vijayan face?
Legal experts warn that attempts to appoint an in-charge SPC may violate the 2011 Police Act, complicating the situation for the CM.
Why is timing critical for the CM?
The current SPC, Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, is set to retire soon, leaving little time for a new appointment before the transition.
What are the implications of this situation?
This scenario raises questions about the governance of police appointments and the legal frameworks that guide them.
