The Telangana High Court has issued a clear directive to the state government, instructing it to promptly forward a list of eligible Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This action is necessary for the appointment of a regular Director General of Police who will also serve as the Head of Police Force (DGP-HoPF). The order, passed on Wednesday, mandates strict compliance with established Supreme Court guidelines on police appointments.
Court's Directive and Petitioner's Challenge
Justice Pulla Karthik delivered these instructions while presiding over a petition filed by T Dhangopal Rao, a social activist based in Hyderabad. Rao's petition challenges the current appointment of B Shivadhar Reddy as the state's DGP, arguing that it violates a crucial Supreme Court mandate from 2018. The court has scheduled the next hearing in this significant case for January 20.
The bench had previously expressed serious concern over the state government's alleged failure to follow the Supreme Court's directives in appointing a full-time, permanent DGP for Telangana. During the proceedings, Advocate General A Sudharshan Reddy presented written instructions detailing the correspondence between the state government and the UPSC regarding the panel of officers sent for consideration.
Delays and Clarifications in the Selection Process
The court was informed that the UPSC had sought certain clarifications from the state government and requested a rectified list after pointing out deficiencies in the initial submission. Representing the UPSC, counsel Ajay Kumar explained that the selection process faced delays precisely because of these clarifications and the inadequate responses from the state authorities.
"The process is continuing. If the state government can forward the requisite documents clarifying the deficiencies, the process will be expedited," Kumar assured the court. A specific instance highlighted was from June 2025, when the state government inquired if Abhilasha Bisht, a 1994-batch officer originally allotted to Andhra Pradesh but serving in Telangana, could be included in the panel. The UPSC responded negatively, noting her official placement on the Andhra Pradesh cadre list.
Petitioner's Demand Rejected, Process to Continue
Arguing his case in person, the petitioner, T Dhangopal Rao, strongly opposed the state's and UPSC's submissions. He urged the court to declare Shivadhar Reddy's appointment illegal and quash it, stating, "It has been more than two months that he has been holding the post illegally."
However, Justice Karthik rejected this immediate request. The judge directed the state government to continue the process of sending a fresh selection panel to the UPSC and to report back to the court on its compliance. The court also clarified that the state would be granted time to file a formal counter-affidavit to the petition before adjourning the matter.
This ruling reinforces the judicial push for transparency and adherence to due process in appointing top police officials, a principle firmly established by the Supreme Court to ensure police autonomy and professionalism.
