New Rules for Appointing Police Chief

• 09 Nov 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The Uttar Pradesh government has framed new rules for appointing the state’s Director General of Police (DGP).

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh's New Rules on DGP Appointment are:
  • The UP Cabinet approved the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules, 2024.
  • DGPs will be selected by a committee considering the officer's service record, experience, and remaining tenure.
  • Only officers with at least six months of service left before retirement are eligible for the post.
  • Appointed DGPs will serve a minimum of two years.
  • The selection committee includes a retired High Court judge, UP Chief Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) representative, and others.
• Existing Practice:
  • The state government must send a list of eligible senior officers to the UPSC three months before the incumbent DGP's retirement.
  • The UPSC reviews the list and sends a shortlist of three candidates to the state for the final appointment.
  • Only officers with a minimum remaining tenure (before retirement) of six months from the date of creation of the vacancy would be eligible for the appointment as DGP. Once appointed, the DGP would have a minimum tenure of two years.
• Reason for New Rules:
  • The rules were introduced in response to a contempt notice from the SC following multiple petitions challenging the appointment of temporary DGPs.
  • The petitions argue that temporary appointments violate SC directives meant to insulate the police from political influence.
  • Although 17 states have enacted their own Police Acts, UP had not done so until now.