Chennai: With Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF) Shankar Jiwal, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, scheduled to retire on August 31, 2025, the State government is likely to appoint an acting DGP to temporarily lead the police force until a full-time successor is named.
The move comes amid concerns over a delay in sending the list of eligible DGP-rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is mandatory under the Supreme Court’s guidelines.
Delay in UPSC Panel Submission Sparks Legal Concerns
In its landmark judgment in the Prakash Singh case, the Supreme Court had clearly ruled that no state shall appoint an “acting DGP,” asserting that the proposal to UPSC must be sent at least three months prior to the retirement of the incumbent.
However, with just days left for DGP Shankar Jiwal’s superannuation, Tamil Nadu is yet to forward the proposal, leaving no option but to temporarily assign the role on an ad hoc basis, in violation of the apex court’s directive.
Despite this, sources at the police headquarters say the file will be dispatched to the UPSC “in a day or two.”
State Informs High Court That Process Is Underway
Responding to a query from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the State government recently stated that the process of appointment is underway and that it intends to follow the Supreme Court and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines.
Given the delay, however, even if the list is sent this weekend, the process of empanelment by UPSC could take at least one month, during which an officer is expected to hold additional charge as DGP/HoPF.
Likely Candidates for Top Post
According to officials familiar with the process, Seema Agrawal, Rajeev Kumar, and Sandeep Rai Rathore are expected to be included in the panel of three names that the UPSC will empanel for the post.
Other DGP-rank officers in the line of consideration include–
- K. Vannia Perumal
- Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal
- G. Venkatraman
- Vinit Dev Wankhede
- Sanjay Mathur
However, Pramod Kumar and Abhay Kumar Singh are unlikely to be considered due to less than six months of service remaining.
Who Will Hold Additional Charge?
Amidst speculation, sources suggest that G. Venkatraman, currently serving as DGP (Administration), may be given temporary additional charge of the top post. Alternatively, the State may assign the role to one of the top three officers it ultimately intends to appoint, to ensure some continuity.
Tenure Norms: Two Years Minimum
As per the Supreme Court mandate, once appointed, the full-time DGP/HoPF must hold the post for a minimum of two years, regardless of their retirement date. This rule aims to ensure stability and operational independence in police leadership.
The final appointment must be made by the State from the three names recommended by the UPSC after the empanelment process concludes.
