Home Ministry orders central deputation of Siliguri CP, Darjeeling DM over President's protocol row

The ongoing controversy surrounding President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Bengal has taken a sharp administrative turn, with the Central Government summoning two high-ranking officials for central deputation. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially sought the services of the Commissioner of Police (CP) of Siliguri and the District Magistrate (DM) of Darjeeling, Manish Mishra. This move follows allegations of serious "Blue Book" protocol violations during the President's visit on March 7, including unauthorized venue changes and inadequate security arrangements.

The decision highlights a significant jurisdictional friction between the Centre and the West Bengal government. As the cadre controlling authority for IAS and IPS officers, the Union Government has the power to summon officials on central deputation, even without the explicit consent of the state government, in cases of national importance or security lapses. This step follows a critical report from the MHA, which flagged issues such as the absence of senior state ministers at the airport and logistical failures at the event venue in Goshaipur.

Legal experts point out that Rule 6(1) of the IPS (Cadre) Rules, 1954, grants the Centre overriding powers in matters of deputation, a rule recently upheld by the Supreme Court. If the West Bengal government refuses to release these officers, they could face a five-year ban from central service and lose eligibility for future promotions to senior ranks like Inspector General (IG). The Centre’s move is being viewed as a direct response to what it terms "unprecedented negligence" toward the constitutional head of the country.