Telangana Government Submits DGP Shortlist to UPSC Following Supreme Court Directive
In a significant development, the Telangana government has formally submitted a list of eligible Director General of Police (DGP)-rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the selection of a permanent police chief. This move comes just days after the UPSC issued a directive to initiate the selection process, aiming to fill the long-pending vacancy with a full-term appointment.
Uncertainty Over Incumbent DGP's Inclusion
However, a cloud of ambiguity hangs over whether the list includes the name of the current in-charge DGP, B Shivadhar Reddy. Sources within the police department have revealed conflicting reports: one version suggests Reddy's name is included alongside five other probables, while another indicates it was omitted due to his limited service tenure. Reddy is slated to retire by the end of April, with less than six months of service remaining, which complicates his eligibility under the established guidelines.
According to insider information, the list that includes Reddy carries a specific remark noting his remaining service period of just over two months, leaving the final decision to the UPSC's discretion. This highlights the procedural intricacies involved in balancing experience with tenure requirements.
List of Probable Candidates and Internal Deliberations
The other officers named in the shortlist are C V Anand, Prabhakar Apte, Sowmya Mishra, Shikha Goel, and Abhilasha Bisht. These individuals represent a mix of seasoned officials with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement. The selection process has been marked by internal discussions, with the office of the chief secretary reportedly presenting two proposals to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy before finalizing one of the lists for submission.
A confidential list was subsequently sent to the UPSC from the Chief Minister's office, underscoring the sensitive nature of the appointment. This step follows weeks after the Supreme Court, on February 5, mandated the UPSC to complete the DGP selection within four weeks, in strict adherence to the guidelines established in the landmark Prakash Singh vs. Union of India case.
Supreme Court's Intervention and Broader Implications
The Supreme Court had identified nine states, including Telangana, for failing to comply with these guidelines, which require a transparent and merit-based selection process rather than appointing in-charge DGPs of their choice. This directive aims to ensure police autonomy and reduce political interference, promoting stability and accountability in law enforcement leadership.
Moving forward, the UPSC is expected to shortlist three names from the submitted list. The Telangana government will then select the Head of Police Force (HoPF) from these candidates, with the chosen officer serving a fixed tenure of two years. This process is designed to provide continuity and effective governance in the state's police administration, addressing long-standing concerns over ad-hoc appointments.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the UPSC's decision, which will set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. The outcome is poised to impact not only Telangana's law enforcement framework but also the broader implementation of police reforms across India.
