In a significant development, the Telangana High Court has issued a firm directive to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), ordering it to process the state government's recommendations for appointing a permanent Director General of Police (Head of Police Force) and to complete the entire exercise within a strict deadline of four weeks. The order was passed on Friday by Justice Pulla Karthik, who emphasized adherence to Supreme Court guidelines.
Court Dismisses Plea Against Interim DGP
While issuing the main directive, the court also dismissed an interim application filed by petitioner Dhanagopal. This application had sought the suspension of the appointment of B Shivadhar Reddy as the acting DGP-HoPF. The petitioner argued that Reddy's appointment was temporary and not in line with the apex court's directives. However, the judge declined this request and adjourned the matter, scheduling the next hearing for February 5. The court instructed the UPSC to report its compliance with the order by that date.
Background of the Selection Impasse
The legal tussle stems from the state government's efforts to appoint a permanent police chief. In December 2025, the Telangana government sent a revised list of eligible officers to the UPSC, after correcting deficiencies previously pointed out by the commission. However, in a twist, the central panel returned this list on January 1. The UPSC advised the state to seek clarification from the Supreme Court, stating that the proposed list was not fully aligned with the top court's directions.
This prompted the high court to step in. Justice Karthik's order explicitly directs the UPSC to proceed with the selection process strictly in accordance with the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in the Prakash Singh versus Union of India case. This historic judgment laid down transparent guidelines for the appointment of DGPs across all Indian states to ensure independence and stability in the top police post.
Next Steps and Compliance
The court's interim order is clear and time-bound. "The UPSC shall commence the entire exercise, which shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, within a period of four weeks and report compliance to the court," the judge stated. The hearing saw arguments presented by the state government, the UPSC, the Union Home Ministry, and counsel representing B Shivadhar Reddy.
This directive brings a new sense of urgency to a process that has seen delays and procedural hurdles. The Telangana High Court has previously raised concerns about deviations from Supreme Court guidelines by the state in this matter. Now, with a firm four-week deadline set for the UPSC, the path is charted for the finalization of a permanent police chief for Telangana, pending the commission's compliance report in early February.
