Last Updated Jan - 07 - 2026, 01:14 PM | Source : Fela News | Visitors : 5
UPSC returns West Bengal DGP panel, asks state to seek Supreme Court guidance first.
The process of appointing the next Director General of Police in West Bengal has run into a procedural hurdle, after the Union Public Service Commission returned the state government’s proposed panel of officers and advised it to seek clarity from the Supreme Court. The development comes at a crucial time, as the tenure of the current DGP, Rajeev Kumar, is scheduled to end on January 31, 2026.
In India, the appointment of a state’s top police officer is governed by a well-defined legal framework aimed at ensuring transparency, merit, and freedom from political interference. The process follows guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court, which mandate that the state government must submit a list of eligible senior officers well in advance of the incumbent’s retirement. This timeline allows sufficient scrutiny and ensures continuity in police leadership.
In this case, the UPSC noted that West Bengal did not adhere to the prescribed timeline. The state government forwarded its list of eligible IPS officers in July 2025, which was significantly later than recommended. As per established guidelines, the proposal should ideally be sent around three months before the retirement of the serving DGP. The delay raised legal and procedural concerns, preventing the commission from moving forward with the selection.
Due to this lapse, the UPSC stated that it could not make a recommendation under the existing circumstances. Instead, it returned the panel and advised the state to approach the Supreme Court for further direction. While largely procedural, this decision has created uncertainty around the leadership transition in the West Bengal police force, especially as several senior officers are nearing retirement in the coming months.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining a transparent and independent process in appointing DGPs. Landmark judgments on police reforms were aimed at insulating senior police appointments from political pressure and ensuring institutional stability. These principles remain central to the functioning of law enforcement agencies across the country.
For the West Bengal government, seeking clarification from the Supreme Court now appears to be the only viable path forward. With assembly elections generally expected around April and the police force playing a critical role in maintaining law and order, a legally sound and timely appointment is essential.
Although state officials have not publicly outlined their next steps, legal experts believe the government may soon approach the Supreme Court to resolve the issue. Until then, the appointment of the state’s top police officer remains uncertain, highlighting the delicate balance between administrative urgency and judicial oversight in India’s federal structure.
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