CAT sets strict deadline for DGP appointment, orders proposal to UPSC by January 23

The Central Administrative Tribunal has issued a strict, time-bound directive to the state government for appointing a permanent Director General of Police, with the retirement of acting DGP Rajeev Kumar scheduled for January 31. Citing prolonged delays, the tribunal has laid down a clear timeline to ensure the appointment process is completed without further postponement.

As per the tribunal’s order, the state government must resend the empanelment proposal for the DGP post to the Union Public Service Commission by January 23. The proposal must be sent both through email and via a special messenger to ensure timely delivery and compliance with the directive.

The tribunal has further directed that the UPSC convene a meeting of its empanelment committee by January 28 to prepare a panel in line with prescribed guidelines. The finalized panel is to be handed over to the state government by January 29, leaving no scope for procedural delays.

Once the panel is received, the state government has been instructed to take an immediate final decision on the appointment of the DGP. The tribunal warned that failure to adhere to the fixed schedule could aggravate the state’s legal and administrative challenges.