A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Tripura government’s failure to appoint a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) and its non-compliance with the apex court’s directives on consulting the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the selection of the police chief. The plea, filed by advocate Anshuman Singh, argues that the state’s inaction violates the Supreme Court’s guidelines laid down in the landmark Prakash Singh case regarding police reforms.
Concerns Over Security in a Border State
The petition highlights that Tripura, being a border state, faces significant security challenges and is duty-bound to appoint a permanent police chief in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives. It cites recent incidents of political instability in Bangladesh and atrocities against Hindu minorities in the neighboring country, which have led to increased infiltration, smuggling, and law-and-order disturbances in Tripura’s border areas.
The plea emphasizes that the role of the DGP is critical in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies. Given the long porous border with Bangladesh, the absence of a full-time police chief raises serious concerns over the state’s ability to effectively tackle issues such as illegal immigration, smuggling, drug trafficking, and crimes against women and children.
SC’s Directives on DGP Appointment Ignored
In 2006, the Supreme Court, in its judgment in the Prakash Singh case, laid down clear guidelines for the appointment of state DGPs. It ruled that:
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The DGP must be selected from among the three senior-most officers empaneled for promotion by the UPSC.
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The selection must be based on length of service, performance record, and relevant experience.
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The appointed DGP must be given a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of their superannuation date.
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States must send proposals in advance to the UPSC, which will then prepare a panel of eligible officers based on merit and seniority. The state government is obliged to appoint the DGP from this panel.
Despite these categorical directives, the petition contends that the Tripura government has failed to take any concrete steps toward appointing a permanent DGP, thereby violating the Supreme Court’s orders.
Call for Urgent Compliance
The petition warns that failure to appoint a permanent DGP undermines the independence of the police force, making it vulnerable to political interference. It urges the Supreme Court to ensure strict implementation of its guidelines, as modified by its July 3, 2018 order, to safeguard the neutrality and effectiveness of law enforcement.
The plea is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, April 1, before a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. It seeks a directive to the Tripura government to comply with the court’s rulings and take immediate steps to appoint a permanent DGP through the prescribed procedure.
