UPSC Maintains Status Quo on Shortlisted Panel for Appointment of Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has reiterated its decision regarding the panel of candidates for the post of Director-General of Police (DGP) in Tamil Nadu. Despite the state government's representation that the three shortlisted names were not acceptable, the UPSC maintained its stance, stating the representation has been disposed of. The appointment process follows Supreme Court guidelines from the Prakash Singh case, which require the state to send eligible names to the UPSC three months before a vacancy. The delay in appointing a regular DGP has drawn criticism from opposition parties in the state.
Key Points
- The UPSC is responsible for empanelling officers for the post of DGP/Head of Police Force (HoPF) based on seniority and merit.
- The selection process must adhere to Supreme Court guidelines established in the landmark Prakash Singh case.
- The Tamil Nadu government had raised objections to the UPSC's recommended panel, which included Seema Agrawal, Rajeev Kumar, and Sandeep Rai Rathore.
- The UPSC's refusal to change the panel highlights the tension between central empanelment authorities and state government preferences.
Exam Facts
- The Prakash Singh case (2006) set the guidelines for police reforms and DGP appointments.
- The three officers shortlisted by the UPSC are Seema Agrawal, Rajeev Kumar, and Sandeep Rai Rathore.
- The vacancy for the post occurred following the retirement of Shankar Jiwal on August 30, 2025.
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