• UGI USER
  • Feb 02, 2024
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ACTING DGPS TREND: CONCERNS OVER VIOLATION OF GUIDELINES

Why in the News?

  • The Uttar Pradesh government appointed Prashant Kumar as the Acting Director General of Police, replacing Vijay Kumar.
  • This trend reflects an increasing practice among several state governments to avoid appointing regular police chiefs despite eligible officers being available.

Directives under Prakash Singh Case

Source: Ernest

Trend of Appointing Acting DGPs:

  • Seven states and one Union Territory currently have acting DGPs, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir.
  • States are appointing temporary DGPs, contrary to Supreme Court guidelines in the Prakash Singh case and guidelines issued by the UPSC.
  • UPSC guidelines require states to submit a list of eligible officers at least six months before the retirement of the incumbent DGP, but many states fail to do so.
About Prakash Singh vs Union of India

·    Prakash Singh, a former DGP of UP and Assam Police, filed a PIL in 1996 seeking police reforms.

·    In 2006, the Supreme Court directed all states and UTs to implement reforms to ensure police autonomy.

·    The measures included fixing tenure for DGPs, avoiding political interference, and setting up Police Establishment Boards for postings.

·    It also recommended State Police Complaints Authorities and separation of investigation and law and order functions.