Chandigarh: The process to appoint Punjab‘s next Director General of Police (DGP) has entered its final stage, with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) shortlisting three senior IPS officers of the 1992 batch. Among them, incumbent Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has emerged as the strongest contender to continue leading the state’s police force. The final appointment will now be made by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government from the UPSC-recommended panel.
According to government sources, there is little indication that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government intends to replace Gaurav Yadav, particularly with the state moving towards an election year.
UPSC Shortlists Three Senior IPS Officers
Following the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the appointment of state police chiefs, the UPSC has shortlisted the following three 1992-batch IPS officers:
- Sharad Satya Chauhan – Retirement: March 31, 2028
- Harpreet Singh Sidhu – Retirement: May 31, 2027
- Gaurav Yadav – Retirement: April 30, 2029
The Punjab government will now choose one officer from this panel for appointment as the regular Director General of Police.
Gaurav Yadav Emerges as the Strongest Candidate
Sources within the Punjab government indicate that incumbent DGP Gaurav Yadav is expected to continue in the post unless there is an unexpected political or administrative change.
A senior government official said there appears to be no compelling reason to replace the current police chief, particularly at a time when the state government is focusing on law and order, anti-drug operations, and preparations ahead of future elections.
IPS Yadav has been serving as Punjab DGP since June 2022, when the AAP government handpicked him following the departure of then DGP V.K. Bhawra.
Background: Why the UPSC Panel Was Required
The appointment process follows the landmark Prakash Singh judgment (2006) of the Supreme Court, along with subsequent clarifications.
Under these directions:
- States are required to send a list of eligible senior IPS officers to the UPSC before the DGP vacancy arises.
- UPSC scrutinizes the eligible officers and prepares a panel of three names.
- The state government is required to appoint one officer from this panel.
Punjab had earlier delayed forwarding the proposal to the UPSC, preferring to continue with the incumbent arrangement.
Gaurav Yadav Has Led Punjab Police Since 2022
Gaurav Yadav assumed charge as Punjab DGP shortly after the assassination of singer Sidhu Moosewala in June 2022, a period marked by heightened concerns over law and order.
Since then, he has overseen several major policing initiatives, including:
- Crackdowns on organised crime
- Anti-drug campaigns
- Counter-gangster operations
- Strengthening border security coordination
- Intelligence-based policing
With nearly three years remaining before his retirement in April 2029, Yadav also offers administrative continuity.
Who Are the Other Officers on the Panel?
Sharad Satya Chauhan
Dr. Sharad Satya Chauhan is presently serving as:
- Special DGP-cum-Chief Director, Punjab Vigilance Bureau
Earlier, he headed the Punjab Police Housing Corporation before being assigned to the Vigilance Bureau.
Being the senior-most among the shortlisted officers, Chauhan remains a strong contender on the basis of seniority.
Harpreet Singh Sidhu
Harpreet Singh Sidhu currently holds the rank of Special DGP.
He returned to Punjab after serving on central deputation with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Despite his return, he is presently awaiting a substantive posting within the state government.
Why Senior-Most Officer Parag Jain Is Not in the Race
Although Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer, is senior to all the shortlisted officers, he is currently serving as the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency.
As a result, he is not part of the UPSC panel for Punjab DGP.
Kuldeep Singh Misses Out
Another 1992-batch IPS officer, Kuldeep Singh, presently heading Punjab’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force, has not been included in the UPSC shortlist.
Kuldeep Singh is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2026, making him ineligible for consideration under the applicable norms.
Why Continuity Matters
Government insiders believe continuity in police leadership is particularly important as Punjab continues to deal with:
- Drug trafficking
- Cross-border security challenges
- Organised crime
- Gangster networks
- Public order management
With assembly elections approaching in the coming years, the government is expected to prefer stability over administrative changes.
Final Decision Now Rests with Punjab Government
The UPSC has completed its statutory role by recommending three eligible IPS officers.
The final appointment now lies with the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, which is expected to formally announce its choice in the coming days.
Given the present political and administrative circumstances, all indications suggest that Gaurav Yadav is likely to continue as Punjab’s Director General of Police.
