New Delhi/Ranchi: In a significant legal battle that has now reached the Supreme Court, the appointment and tenure extension of Anurag Gupta (IPS: 1990: JH) as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand has sparked controversy. Gupta, who was slated to retire on April 30, 2025, upon reaching the age of 60, has become the center of a legal and political dispute between the Jharkhand State Government and the Central Government.
State Government’s Push for Extension
The controversy began when the Jharkhand State Government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, attempted to extend Gupta’s tenure beyond his scheduled retirement date. According to the Jharkhand Home Ministry, Gupta was appointed as the DGP on February 2, 2025, under the newly notified Jharkhand DGP and IG Selection and Appointment Rules, 2025. These rules, which were issued on January 8, 2025, seemingly paved the way for the tenure extension of the state’s top cop.
However, Central Government regulations dictate that officers like Gupta must retire at the age of 60, and the Union Home Ministry communicated their disapproval to the state government on April 22, 2025, stating that Gupta’s tenure could not be extended. Despite this communication, the Jharkhand Government retained Gupta in the position of DGP, reportedly even issuing a “provisional pay slip” to him, continuing his salary amid the escalating row.
Legal Challenges and Political Reactions
The matter has now escalated beyond political discussions, with social activists and the BJP challenging the appointment in court. Babulal Marandi, the Leader of the Opposition in Jharkhand from the BJP, has filed a petition in the Jharkhand High Court contesting Gupta’s appointment extension, declaring it as illegal. The petition raises concerns over the legal validity of the state’s move to retain Gupta beyond his retirement age.
In addition, activists have approached the Supreme Court, challenging the continuation of Gupta’s tenure. The issue has created significant political debate within the state, with tensions brewing between the ruling Hemant Soren Government and the Centre.
Union Ministry’s Stance
The Union Home Ministry issued a letter on April 22, 2025, clarifying that according to the central government’s norms, any extension of service for a senior officer like Gupta, who had already crossed the age of retirement, was not permissible. The central government has maintained that the Jharkhand government’s move to retain Gupta in his position was not in accordance with the existing rules.
Pending Legal Matters
The case is not only being contested in the Supreme Court, but also remains pending before the Jharkhand High Court. The outcome of both legal proceedings will determine whether Gupta can continue as the DGP of Jharkhand or whether the state will be required to adhere to the central government’s regulations.
Key Points:
- Anurag Gupta, the DGP of Jharkhand, was due to retire on April 30, 2025, at the age of 60.
- Jharkhand Government issued rules to extend his tenure, while the Union Home Ministry objected to it.
- Gupta was appointed on February 2, 2025, and his tenure was extended despite opposition from the Centre.
- Babulal Marandi, Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand, has filed a petition in the Jharkhand High Court to challenge the appointment.
The matter has now reached the Supreme Court as activists raise concerns over the legality of the extension.
