UPSC Granted Additional Time to Convene Empanelment Committee Meeting as per Prakash Singh Mandate
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to swiftly complete the process of selecting and appointing a Director General of Police (DGP) for the State of Telangana. This directive comes in adherence to the guidelines established in the landmark Prakash Singh case, which mandates the appointment of police heads across states in a structured and timely manner.
The case brought before the Supreme Court involved the UPSC appealing against an order from the Telangana High Court. The High Court had instructed the UPSC to finalize the selection process following a proposal from the State Government. The UPSC acknowledged its duty under the Prakash Singh case to prepare a selection panel but raised concerns about the delay from the Telangana State Government in submitting the necessary proposal for the appointment of a regular DGP.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline set out in the Prakash Singh judgment. The court underscored the UPSC's obligation to convene the Empanelment Committee Meeting (ECM) and make recommendations for the DGP appointment without further delay. Recognizing the challenges posed by the State's delay, the court granted UPSC an additional four weeks to complete the empanelment process.
Furthermore, the court expressed concern over similar delays by other state governments, which often result in ad hoc appointments of acting DGPs rather than regular appointments. The Supreme Court empowered UPSC to remind state governments of their duty to submit proposals promptly and authorized it to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of directives if states fail to comply.
The ruling aims to prevent the sidelining of eligible senior officers due to bureaucratic delays and ensure that the appointment process for DGPs is conducted with transparency and efficiency. The Supreme Court's decision also calls for accountability from those responsible for delays in the appointment process.
Bottom Line:
UPSC directed to complete the process of selection and empanelment for appointment of Director General of Police (Head of Police Force) in Telangana State, following the guidelines issued and in compliance with the mandate in the Prakash Singh case.
Statutory provision(s): Civil Service.
Union Public Service Commission v. T Dhangopal Rao, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2851658
