THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 24: The Supreme Court will take up next week a petition challenging the appointment of Jharkhand Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta, amid allegations that the state government bypassed the prescribed procedure laid down by the apex court.
A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justice K. Vinod Chandran, said the matter will be listed on July 30 or 31.
The direction came after senior advocate Anjana Prakash, appearing for a social activist, argued that the case involves compliance with previous Supreme Court rulings and requires consideration by a three-judge bench.
Also Read- NDRF fails to trace alleged mine mishap site in Baghmara
The Chief Justice agreed and said the plea would be heard when regular matters are scheduled next week.
The challenge draws from the landmark judgment in Prakash Singh v. Union of India, where the court had laid down key reforms to insulate police from political interference, including the creation of State Security Commissions and a fixed tenure for senior officers.
In 2018, the Court went a step further, prohibiting states from appointing DGPs in an acting capacity, noting that such a practice contradicts the principles outlined in its 2006 ruling.
Gupta’s appointment has already faced judicial scrutiny. On September 6 last year, a bench headed by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued notice to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary on a contempt plea alleging that Gupta’s posting as Acting DGP violated the Prakash Singh case’s guidelines.
Also Read- SC stays Bombay HC order acquitting 12 accused in Mumbai train blasts case
The present plea points out that Gupta continued as DGP despite being due for retirement on April 30 this year upon turning 60. Although the state government sought an extension from the Centre, the proposal was reportedly rejected. Petitioners argue that his appointment did not follow the mandated process of selecting from a panel of the three senior-most IPS officers prepared by the UPSC.
