New Delhi: A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Tripura government’s failure to appoint a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) as per the court’s directives, including the requirement to seek recommendations from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Highlighting the security challenges faced by the border state, the plea argues that the Tripura government is legally bound to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Prakash Singh case, which mandates the proper selection process for appointing a DGP.
In a 2006 judgment, the apex court ruled that a state’s DGP must be chosen from the three senior-most officers eligible for promotion, as recommended by the UPSC.
The selection criteria include the officer’s length of service, exemplary record, and experience in leading a police force.
Additionally, the appointed DGP must have a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of retirement age.
The court had also directed all states to submit their recommendations to the UPSC in a timely manner, ensuring the appointment is made based on merit and seniority.
The petition emphasises that the DGP plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety.
It argues that the prolonged failure to appoint a permanent police chief in Tripura has serious implications, particularly given recent political instability in Bangladesh and the increasing security concerns in bordering regions.
The plea points to rising infiltration, smuggling, and other law-and-order challenges in Tripura, which shares an extensive border with Bangladesh.
Despite clear Supreme Court directions, the state government has taken no concrete steps toward compliance, the petition asserts.
It further argues that in a sensitive border state facing threats such as illegal migration, smuggling, drug trafficking, and crimes against women and children, police independence is crucial.
The petition calls for the immediate implementation of the guidelines laid down in the Prakash Singh judgment, as modified by the court’s order of July 3, 2018, to uphold justice and maintain law and order.
Filed by advocate Anshuman Singh, the plea is set to be heard by a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday (April 1).
It seeks a directive compelling the Tripura government to take effective steps to appoint a DGP in line with court-mandated procedures.
