UPSC Issues Second Notice to Punjab Government Over DGP Appointment Delay
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has once again written to the Punjab government, urging the submission of a panel of eligible officers for the regular appointment of the state's Director General of Police (DGP). This action comes after the state failed to respond within the stipulated timeframe, raising concerns about compliance with judicial directives.
Reminder Letter and Supreme Court Directives
In a reminder dated March 5, UPSC Secretary Shashi Ranjan Kumar addressed Punjab Chief Secretary K A P Sinha, requesting him to "personally" examine the matter and instruct relevant officials to forward the panel of eligible officers. This communication follows an initial letter from the UPSC on February 18, which referenced the Supreme Court's directions issued on February 5.
The February 18 letter explicitly cited the apex court's warning that if states fail to submit timely proposals, the UPSC is authorized to seek enforcement through the court, with "necessary consequences" for those responsible for delays. The UPSC considered February 5 as the vacancy date, aligning with the Supreme Court's latest instructions in this ongoing matter.
Background of the Acting DGP and Legislative Moves
Gaurav Yadav, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, was appointed as acting DGP in July 2022 by the AAP-led government, which came to power earlier that year in March. Yadav has held the position for 3 years and 8 months, superseding several senior officers. This extended tenure has drawn scrutiny under the Supreme Court's guidelines against states maintaining acting DGPs.
In an attempt to bypass the UPSC-mandated procedure for DGP selection, the Punjab assembly passed the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill 2023 in June 2023. This bill proposed selecting the DGP through a state-controlled seven-member empanelment committee. According to officials, the bill is currently with the President after being referred by the governor, indicating a potential legislative standoff.
UPSC's Established Procedure and State's Response
The standard procedure adopted by the UPSC involves its empanelment committee selecting three candidates based on criteria such as seniority, experience, and service records from the panel submitted by the state. Subsequently, the state government chooses one of these candidates for the DGP position. This process aims to ensure transparency and meritocracy in police appointments.
Following the receipt of the February 18 letter, the Punjab home department sought details of eligible officers, citing that it "has records of the officers". However, the lack of a formal panel submission has prompted the UPSC's latest intervention, highlighting ongoing tensions between state autonomy and central oversight in police appointments.
Implications and Broader Context
This development underscores the persistent challenges in implementing police reforms across Indian states, particularly in adhering to Supreme Court mandates. The UPSC's proactive stance reflects its role in upholding institutional integrity and preventing prolonged acting appointments that may undermine police administration.
The situation in Punjab is being closely monitored, as delays in appointing a regular DGP could have ramifications for law enforcement efficiency and governance. Stakeholders are awaiting further responses from the state government to avoid potential legal escalations.
