New Delhi: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has stepped in to ensure timely consideration of 1990-batch West Bengal-cadre IPS officer Rajesh Kumar for the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) post, which he was at risk of losing due to prolonged administrative delays.
The intervention comes amid ongoing friction between the West Bengal government and the Centre, which has stalled the appointment process for over two years.
Background of the IPS Rajesh Kumar DGP Empanelment
West Bengal has been without a full-time DGP since December 27, 2023, following the retirement of then-DGP Manoj Malviya. Rajeev Kumar, acting DGP and considered close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is set to retire on January 31, 2026.
Rajesh Kumar, an IPS officer with more than six months of service remaining at the time the vacancy arose, was among three senior officers eligible for the DGP post. However, the West Bengal government delayed sending the proposal for his empanelment to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), significantly jeopardizing his chances.
Administrative Delays: State and UPSC
The state sent its proposal, which included the names of 10 IPS officers including Rajesh Kumar, to the UPSC only on July 16, 2025, 19 months after the post fell vacant. This violated the UPSC guidelines of 2023, established following the Supreme Court’s 2006 Prakash Singh judgment.
The guidelines require states to submit proposals at least three months prior to a vacancy to ensure timely selection.
The delay was compounded by UPSC itself, which convened the empanelment committee meeting over three months later, on October 29, 2025, instead of acting promptly. This further diminished Kumar’s window of opportunity, as he was due to retire on January 31, 2026.
On December 31, 2025, the UPSC returned the West Bengal government’s proposal, citing violations of Supreme Court guidelines, putting Kumar’s appointment in jeopardy just a month before his retirement.
IPS Rajesh Kumar DGP Empanelment : CAT Intervention and Interim Orders
In response, Rajesh Kumar approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in New Delhi through senior counsel Sanjoy Ghose, seeking relief to protect his eligibility for the DGP post.
On January 21, 2026, the CAT issued an interim order setting clear deadlines –
- West Bengal government must resubmit the proposal for empanelment to the UPSC by January 23, 2026.
- UPSC must convene the empanelment committee by January 28, 2026 and prepare the panel of shortlisted candidates for the DGP post by January 29, 2026.
- The West Bengal government must make an appointment decision from the panel “as expeditiously as possible.”
The tribunal emphasized that the right to be considered for promotion is a fundamental right and that prolonged inaction by UPSC cannot be ignored.
Impact of CAT Order on IPS Rajesh Kumar DGP Empanelment
The delayed process had serious implications for Rajesh Kumar, who risked losing his chance to become the full-time DGP due to administrative lapses by both the state and central authorities.
The CAT’s intervention provides him a narrow window to secure the appointment before his retirement.
The case also highlights the broader issue of administrative delays in West Bengal, where 43 senior officers have retired since 2023 without being considered for top positions due to ongoing state-Centre tensions, especially in the run-up to elections scheduled for April-May 2026.
Political and Administrative Context
The friction between the West Bengal government and the Centre has intensified ahead of the elections, impacting key appointments in the police and bureaucracy.
State cadre officers often find themselves caught in the crossfire, losing opportunities to occupy leadership positions in critical administrative posts.
Next Steps
The matter is listed for the next hearing on March 11, 2026, at the CAT, where the tribunal is expected to monitor compliance with its interim orders. Meanwhile, both the West Bengal Chief Secretary and UPSC have been approached for comment on the status of the proposal and the timeline for empanelment.
Rights of Civil Servants
The CAT’s intervention underscores the importance of timely action in empanelment and promotions for senior officers, particularly for top posts like DGP.
Rajesh Kumar’s case serves as a reminder that administrative delays can have significant consequences on officers’ careers, and the judiciary remains a critical safeguard in protecting the rights of civil servants.
