Lucknow, Nov 5: The Uttar Pradesh government has enacted new rules aimed at ensuring an independent and transparent process for selecting the Director General of Police (DGP). This decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Monday, which approved the Appointment Rules, 2024.
Under these new guidelines, the selection of the state police chief will be overseen by a committee led by a retired high court judge, eliminating the need to submit names to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) panel for approval.
The primary goal of the Appointment Rules, 2024, is to create a selection mechanism that is free from political or executive interference and is tailored to meet the specific conditions and policing needs of Uttar Pradesh. The selection committee will comprise the chief secretary, a nominee from UPSC, the chairman or nominee from the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the additional chief secretary or principal secretary from the Home Department, and a retired state DGP.
Candidates for the DGP position must have a minimum of six months of service remaining from the date a vacancy arises, with only current officers in the DG role at Level 16 of the Pay Matrix being considered. Additionally, the minimum tenure for the DGP will be set at two years.
These new rules align with Supreme Court directives concerning the removal of a DGP prior to the completion of their term if criminal charges, corruption, or failure to perform duties effectively are established. They are consistent with the Supreme Court’s instructions to states in the case of Prakash Singh vs. Union of India, which called for new police legislation to ensure that police forces operate without external pressures, protect citizens’ rights, and uphold the rule of law.
In response to the new regulations, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav questioned whether this move was an effort by the state government to regain control from the central government. “I have heard that arrangements are being made to give a permanent post to a senior officer and extend his tenure by two years. The question is whether the person making these arrangements will also stay for two years. Is this an attempt to take the reins from Delhi into their own hands?” he posted on X in Hindi, without naming any specific individuals.
