SC Flags Delay in Regular DGP Appointments | 07 Feb 2026

Source: TH 

Recently, the Supreme Court observed that many States are continuing with “acting” Directors General of Police (DGPs), bypassing the appointment of regular DGPs in violation of the Prakash Singh judgment (2006). 

Prakash Singh judgment(2006) 

• In the Prakash Singh judgment, the Court ruled that DGP appointments must be insulated from political influence and that the concept of “acting” DGPs should not exist. 
• The judgment mandated that DGPs be selected from among the three senior-most and meritorious officers empanelled by the UPSC, with a minimum fixed tenure of two years. 
• Subsequent Supreme Court orders in 2018 and 2019 laid down a detailed procedure, requiring States to send proposals to the UPSC three months before the incumbent DGP’s retirement. 

Superintendence over the State Police  

• Police is a State subject under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution. 
• Further, section 3 of the Police Act, 1861 states that the superintendence of police in each State rests with the State Government. 
• At the district level, a dual system exists where both the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police share authority. 
• The State Police are generally headed by officers of the DGP (Director General of Police) rank.