Madurai: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government, seeking its response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that calls for the immediate initiation of the empanelment process for eligible IPS officers for the post of Director General of Police (DGP).
The PIL, filed by advocate K. Yasar Arafath of Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, urges strict compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions in the landmark Prakash Singh v. Union of India judgment.
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High Court Seeks Clarifications on Procedure and Guidelines
A Division Bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete asked the State government to clarify the procedures it plans to follow for the DGP appointment. The court also directed the government to provide its stance on:
- Supreme Court’s directives in the Prakash Singh case
- Clarifications issued by the apex court
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) guidelines
- Implementation of the Single Window System for appointments
The matter is posted for further hearing on August 11.
Petitioner Flags Non-Compliance, Political Interference Concerns
The petitioner claimed that Shankar Jiwal, the current DGP of Tamil Nadu, is set to retire on August 31, but the State government has not yet initiated the empanelment process for his successor. This delay, he argued, violates the Supreme Court-mandated procedure, which requires the formation of a panel of eligible IPS officers by the UPSC in consultation with the State.
Arafath further alleged that there are credible reports suggesting the government may appoint an in-charge or acting DGP, or seek an extension for the incumbent, without going through the required merit-based, transparent process.
He argued that such a move would be in contempt of the Supreme Court’s ruling, undermining the rule of law and threatening the professionalism and independence of the police force.
Concerns Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections 2026
The petitioner expressed concern that with the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, the ruling government might attempt to install a politically favorable DGP to secure cooperation from the police department during the electoral period.
This alleged strategy, he said, erodes public trust and undermines democratic institutions.
Plea to Restrain In-Charge DGP Appointments Without UPSC Process
The PIL has sought the court’s direction to restrain the government from appointing any officer as in-charge or acting DGP, or extending the tenure of the current DGP, without following the UPSC-led selection mechanism as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The failure to follow binding judicial directions, the petitioner said, poses serious risks to governance, public administration, and the integrity of law enforcement.
