Chandigarh: Nearly three weeks after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) approved a panel of three senior IPS officers for the appointment of Punjab’s regular Director General of Police (DGP), the Punjab government is yet to announce its decision, prolonging uncertainty over the state’s top police post.
The delay is unusual, as state governments generally appoint a regular DGP soon after receiving the UPSC’s recommendations. The prolonged wait has sparked fresh speculation within administrative and police circles over who will ultimately lead the Punjab Police.
Three Senior IPS Officers in UPSC Panel
The UPSC-approved panel comprises three 1992-batch IPS officers:
- Gaurav Yadav – Acting Director General of Police, Punjab
- Sharad Satya Chauhan – Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau
- Harpreet Singh Sidhu – Special DGP
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The panel was cleared by the UPSC around three weeks ago after evaluating the eligible officers in accordance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines on DGP appointments.
Gaurav Yadav Seen as Front-Runner
Although Sharad Satya Chauhan is the senior-most officer among the three, followed by Harpreet Singh Sidhu, many within the state’s bureaucracy believe Gaurav Yadav remains the strongest contender for the post.
Yadav has been serving as the acting DGP for an extended period and has overseen Punjab Police during several significant law-and-order and security challenges. His long stint as the acting police chief has led many officials to believe that his formal appointment as the regular DGP is only a matter of time.
However, the government has not indicated its preference or provided any timeline for announcing its decision.
Supreme Court Mandates Immediate Appointment
The delay assumes significance in light of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment of July 2018, which laid down a detailed procedure for appointing state Directors General of Police.
Under the apex court’s directions:
- States must prepare a list of eligible senior IPS officers at least three months before the incumbent DGP’s retirement.
- The list is forwarded to the UPSC, which prepares a panel of suitable officers.
- Once the panel is received, the state government is expected to immediately appoint one of the empanelled officers.
- The court also categorically observed that there is no concept of an “acting DGP”, directing states not to continue such temporary arrangements.
The UPSC empanelment committee includes representatives of the Commission, the Central Government and the concerned State Government.
Punjab Has Followed Process Earlier
Punjab has previously followed the Supreme Court-mandated procedure while appointing Dinkar Gupta and V.K. Bhawra as regular Directors General of Police.
This time, however, the decision has remained pending despite the UPSC completing its role in the appointment process.
No Official Reason for Delay
Initially, officials familiar with the matter had indicated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann would take a decision after returning from his official visit to Bengaluru on July 2.
However, despite the Chief Minister having resumed official duties and cleared several important administrative files—including promotions of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to Superintendents of Police (SPs)—the file relating to the appointment of the regular DGP has reportedly not yet received final approval.
No official explanation has been offered by the state government regarding the delay.
Harpreet Sidhu Awaiting Posting
Among the three officers, Harpreet Singh Sidhu has been without a regular posting since returning from Central deputation nearly ten months ago.
Meanwhile, Sharad Satya Chauhan, currently heading the Vigilance Bureau, is the senior-most officer in the panel based on service seniority.
Despite these factors, administrative circles continue to view Gaurav Yadav as the likely choice owing to his extensive experience as the acting police chief.
Government Maintains Silence
Efforts to obtain an official response have so far yielded no clarification. Neither the Home Department nor the Punjab Police has publicly stated the reasons behind the delay or indicated when the appointment is likely to be announced.
Until the government takes a final decision, Punjab will continue without a formally appointed regular DGP, even as the Supreme Court’s directions envisage prompt appointments to the state’s highest police office.
