Ranchi: The ongoing controversy over the tenure extension of Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, has taken a new turn, with the Accountant General’s (AG) Office agreeing to issue a provisional pay slip. This move follows a formal request by the State Home Department, which claimed that Gupta’s service had been legally extended under new state-level rules. However, the central government has contested the extension, and a final verdict is pending before the Jharkhand High Court.
Provisional Salary with Conditions
The AG’s office has made it clear that the salary will be recoverable if the court later rules the appointment unconstitutional or in violation of service rules. This clause was included in its response to the state’s letter requesting the issuance of pay slips.
According to sources, the Home Department stated that Anurag Gupta had been appointed as DGP for a two-year term starting February 2, 2025, under the newly notified Jharkhand DGP and IG Selection & Appointment Rules, 2025 (notified on January 8, 2025).
Centre vs State: A Legal Tug of War
The conflict deepened after the Central Government, on April 22, 2025, informed the Jharkhand Chief Secretary that Gupta had retired on April 30, 2025, upon attaining the age of 60, and rejected the state’s extension of his service. The Centre claimed that the move violated the All India Services (AIS) Rules and the Supreme Court’s directives in the Prakash Singh case, which set clear guidelines for DGP appointments.
Petition Filed by Opposition, Court Hearing on July 15
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has filed petitions in both the Jharkhand High Court and the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of Gupta’s continuation. Marandi alleges that the state bypassed UPSC recommendations and made the appointment for political reasons, which, if proven, would be a violation of constitutional norms.
The next court hearing in the Jharkhand High Court is scheduled for July 15, 2025.
Past Controversies Shadow Appointment
Anurag Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has served as acting DGP since July 26, 2024, before being formally appointed as regular DGP from February 2, 2025. However, his career has been marred by multiple controversies:
- Alleged involvement in horse-trading during the 2016 Rajya Sabha elections
- Action taken by the Election Commission during the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections on the basis of complaints against him
Implications and Outlook
While the state government defends Gupta’s appointment under its new rules, the Centre’s objection and the judicial review will ultimately decide whether his service extension stands legal scrutiny. In the meantime, the provisional pay slip with a recovery clause ensures temporary compliance with administrative norms without pre-empting the court’s decision.
