Jharkhand News: MHA letter on DGP Anurag Gupta stirs controversy

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

 

Daltonganj, April 30: All eyes are on today’s decision regarding the tenure of Jharkhand’s current Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF), Anurag Gupta. A recent letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has created ripples across the state’s political and administrative corridors.

Centre Reminds State of Supreme Court Guidelines

The MHA’s Police Division has taken a firm stance, urging the Jharkhand government to adhere strictly to the established rules for the selection and appointment of the DGP in line with the Supreme Court’s directives in the Prakash Singh case.

In a letter dated April 22, 2025, marked “most immediate” and addressed to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kumar, Under Secretary to the Government of India, stated: “Government of Jharkhand is directed to retire Shri Anurag Gupta, IPS, on 30.04.2025 from the post of the DGP (HoPF) Jharkhand.”

The letter also underscored that continuing Gupta’s service beyond the age of superannuation violates Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefit) Rules, 1958, which mandates retirement at the age of 60 for IPS officers.

Contradiction Between State and Central Rules

According to the MHA, any extension of service post-retirement must be granted either by the Central Government or under a two-year fixed tenure as per the process outlined by the Supreme Court in its Prakash Singh ruling.

The Jharkhand government had notified its own rules for DGP selection on January 8, 2025, and subsequently appointed Anurag Gupta (IPS, Jharkhand cadre, 1990 batch) as DGP HoPF on February 2, 2025, with a fixed tenure of two years.

However, the MHA contends this appointment process does not align with existing national rules or the Supreme Court judgment.

“Rules notified and appointment made are not in consistency with the prevalent rules/guidelines,” the letter asserted.

Supreme Court Ruling Takes Precedence

The MHA’s letter cited the Supreme Court’s July 3, 2018 ruling, which clearly states that any state or central legislation contravening the court’s directive would be held in abeyance.

“The Central government has not granted an extension of service to Shri Anurag Gupta, who is to retire on 30.04.2025,” the letter concluded.

State Government Keen to Retain Gupta

Sources within the government indicate a strong inclination to retain Anurag Gupta for the remainder of his two-year term. They point out that Jharkhand is not alone in formulating its own DGP selection rules—several other states have followed similar paths.

According to sources, the State government will wait for a directive from the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear the case filed by Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi challenging Gupta’s appointment on May 5. 

Political Voices Weigh In

Veteran legislator Saryu Roy was the first to share news of the MHA’s letter on the social media platform ‘X’. Speaking to The Jharkhand Story, Roy commented:

“I don’t hold any brief for anyone. It’s not my cup of tea.”

When asked about the contents of the MHA letter, he said:

“I believe healthy practices should be followed in such matters. The rule of law must prevail.”

He further added:

“There’s a crystal-clear judgment from the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case. What more is left to interpret?”

Asked whether he had a preference for the next DGP, Roy diplomatically responded:

“Let’s see how the state government proceeds. It’s up to them to take the final call.”