Initiates Process for Appointment of Regular DGP, SC Informed
New Delhi, April 1: The Tripura government on Tuesday assured the Supreme Court that it is adhering to the 2006 landmark judgment on police reforms by initiating the process to appoint a regular Director General of Police (DGP) on March 7.
The clarification was presented before a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, which was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the NGO MONDRA through its president, Bipin Chandra Kalai. The petition challenged the Tripura government's alleged failure to comply with the established judicial directives for appointing the state's top police official.
Background: The 2006 Supreme Court Verdict on Police Reforms
In the pivotal 2006 judgment known as the Prakash Singh case, the Supreme Court had set forth comprehensive directives aimed at reforming police departments across Indian states. Among other mandates, the apex court directed states to separate investigation duties from general law and order responsibilities, ensuring transparency and accountability in policing.
Significantly, the judgment required state governments to initiate the selection process for a new DGP well in advance of the incumbent's retirement, emphasizing seniority, merit, and experience. It further mandated consultation with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the appointment of a regular DGP chosen from a list of three senior IPS officers shortlisted by the UPSC.
Allegations of Non-compliance Raised by NGO MONDRA
The PIL, filed through advocate Anshuman Singh, accused the Tripura government of disregarding the Supreme Court's directives and not initiating the prescribed procedures to appoint a regular DGP. Representing the NGO, Senior Advocate Vipin Sanghi highlighted concerns that the state had neither formed a panel of eligible officers nor consulted the UPSC, potentially undermining the integrity of the selection process and inviting political interference.
Tripura Government Refutes Allegations
In response, counsel representing the Tripura government strongly refuted these allegations, handing over a confidential letter in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court bench. According to the state counsel, the official procedure for appointing a new DGP commenced on March 7, fully aligning with the Supreme Court’s guidelines.
The state government confirmed that the incumbent DGP, Amitabh Ranjan, who assumed office on July 28, 2022, is set to retire on May 31, 2025. The counsel assured the court that the new DGP appointment would occur within this timeframe.
Supreme Court Records Tripura Government’s Assurance
Accepting the state's assurance, the Supreme Court bench recorded the statement and decided not to issue any notice on the present petition. However, the bench clarified that if any violations occur, the NGO petitioner is at liberty to seek revival of its plea.
"Learned counsel for the respondent (Tripura) has handed over a confidential letter, which will be kept in a sealed cover by the registry of this court. Accordingly, we are not issuing notice in the present petition. However, if there is a violation, the petitioner may file applications for revival," the bench stated.
Supreme Court to Continue Monitoring Implementation
This development comes shortly after the Supreme Court's decision on March 25 to hear pleas in May seeking implementation of its earlier directives on police reforms. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the apex court’s commitment to enforcing transparent and merit-based appointments for senior police positions nationwide.
The case continues to draw significant attention as an essential measure in strengthening police independence and accountability across India.
