Ranchi: Jharkhand is currently facing uncertainty regarding the appointment of a new Director General of Police (DGP), as the acting DGP, Tadasha Mishra (IPS: 1994 batch, Jharkhand cadre), is set to retire on 31 December 2025. With only five days left to install a permanent head of state police, the government has yet to announce Mishra’s successor.
Eligible Officers for Jharkhand DGP Post
Based on seniority and eligibility, Jharkhand currently has only three officers of DG-rank available for consideration:
- Anil Palta (IPS: 1990 batch) – currently serving as DG Railways
- Prashant Singh (IPS: 1992 batch) – serving as DG Wireless
- MS Bhatia (IPS: 1993 batch) – serving as DG cum Administrator of Home Guard & Fire Department
Another officer, Sampat Meena (IPS: 1994 batch), is already empanelled at the DG rank at the Centre, making her return to Jharkhand unlikely.
All three eligible officers have extensive policing experience and are known to maintain clean and unblemished records, making them suitable candidates for the state’s top police position.
Controversy Over Appointment Rules
The appointment process is complicated by state-specific rules. The Jharkhand government had enacted the “Director General and Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand (Head of Police Force) Selection and Appointment Rules, 2025” to govern DGP appointments. According to Rule 10(1) of this legislation, the state can appoint a DGP.
Previously, the state used this rule to appoint Anurag Gupta as DGP.
However, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had refused to accept the state rules, sparking controversy.
If the state government again relies on the same rule, the selection may face legal and administrative challenges.
Supreme Court Guidelines on DGP Appointment
As per Supreme Court directives:
- A regular DGP must be appointed for a fixed two-year tenure.
- Only IPS officers with at least six months of service remaining are eligible.
All three potential candidates—Anil Palta, Prashant Singh, and MS Bhatia—meet these criteria.
Government’s Limited Options
With acting DGP Tadasha Mishra retiring on 31 December 2025, the state government has only three viable options for immediate selection. The choice will need to consider:
- Seniority
- Experience in law enforcement and internal security
- Clean service record
- Compliance with Supreme Court guidelines
The government is expected to make a prompt decision to avoid a vacuum in leadership at the helm of Jharkhand Police.
