Ranchi: In a developing standoff between the Union Home Ministry and the Jharkhand government, Anurag Gupta, an IPS officer of 1990 batch from Jharkhand cadre, continues to serve as Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand, despite the Centre’s directive to retire him on April 30, 2025. As of May 1, no official retirement order had been issued by the state, signaling a direct defiance of the central instruction.
The Union Home Ministry had earlier written to the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, instructing that Gupta be retired upon the completion of his term. However, the JMM-led state government, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, opted to retain Gupta, triggering a constitutional and administrative tug-of-war.
CM Soren Meets DGP Gupta, Responds to MHA
Sources indicate that CM Hemant Soren, who returned from an overseas trip on April 30, met Gupta at his residence the same evening. Following the meeting, the state government sent a formal communication to the Union Home Ministry, reportedly after seeking legal advice.
The letter contends that Anurag Gupta’s appointment as DGP was in line with the Supreme Court guidelines and rules mandating a minimum two-year fixed tenure for the DGP of a state. Based on this, the state has urged the Centre to reconsider its position.
The state government will also respond to the Center’s letter, requesting that no decision be made regarding Anurag Gupta’s retirement until the ongoing case in the High Court is resolved. The government maintains that Gupta’s appointment for a two-year tenure is in accordance with the rules.
Additionally, a case regarding the DGP’s appointment is still pending in court, with the order yet to be issued.
A Controversial Tenure and Reinstatement
Anurag Gupta’s appointment has been marked by controversy. Initially made Acting DGP on July 26, 2024, replacing Ajay Singh (IPS:1989:JH), Gupta was removed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the Assembly elections and Singh was reinstated. However, following the return of the Hemant Soren-led government to power, Gupta was reinstated as DGP on November 28, 2024.
To formalize Gupta’s position and counter any legal challenges, the Jharkhand government framed new rules in January 2025 for DGP appointments. These rules led to the formation of a selection committee, headed by a retired High Court judge and including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and a UPSC representative. On this committee’s recommendation, Gupta was appointed permanent DGP and granted tenure until July 26, 2026.
Central Resistance
Despite the state’s procedural steps, the Centre has resisted the extension, maintaining that Gupta should retire as per the original schedule. The confrontation underscores a broader tussle between state autonomy and central oversight in appointments to key positions such as the police chief.
What Lies Ahead?
With no retirement order issued and the Centre yet to respond formally to the state’s latest letter, Gupta’s continuance is now a flashpoint in Centre-state relations. Legal experts suggest the matter may end up in court if an amicable resolution is not reached.
The situation remains fluid, with political and administrative ramifications for intergovernmental coordination and the interpretation of service rules concerning all-India services like the Indian Police Service.
