The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Odisha Government’s process of appointing the next Director General of Police (DGP).
A three‑judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took up the matter, where the State Government presented its stand and filed its response. The court clarified that all parties will be heard together before a final decision is taken. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 2.
The PIL alleges that the State’s selection process did not adhere to guidelines laid down in the landmark Prakash Singh case on police reforms, claiming that senior eligible officers were excluded while junior officers were included in the panel.
Earlier, on August 13, the Supreme Court had directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to defer finalisation of the DGP panel, temporarily halting the appointment process. Following the retirement of DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on August 16, senior IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra has been given charge as interim DGP until a regular appointment is made.
The case has gained significance as the State Government recently promoted senior IPS officers Sanjeeb Panda and Yeshwant Jethwa to the rank of Director General, opening the field for consideration. Government sources indicated that Panda is among the frontrunners for the post.
