Uncertainty Deepens Ahead of January 31 Deadline; Acting DGP Rajeev Kumar Set to Retire
The appointment of the next Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal has hit yet another roadblock, with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) moving the Delhi High Court to challenge an order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). The tribunal had directed the commission to complete the DGP selection process within a strict timeline ending January 31, the day when acting DGP Rajeev Kumar (IPS: 1989: WB) is scheduled to retire.
The UPSC’s move has introduced a fresh legal complication into an already delayed and contentious appointment process, casting doubt on whether West Bengal will have a regular DGP in place by February 1.
CAT’s Strict Timeline for DGP Selection
The CAT issued its directive while hearing a petition filed by IPS officer Rajesh Kumar (IPS: 1990: WB). The tribunal instructed the West Bengal government to send a fresh list of eligible IPS officers to the UPSC by January 23, and further directed the commission to:
Convene the empanelment committee meeting by January 28
Prepare a panel of officers
Forward the panel to the state government by January 29
This timeline was designed to ensure that a new DGP could be appointed before Rajeev Kumar’s retirement on January 31.
State Government’s Compliance and UPSC’s Challenge
Following the CAT’s directive, the West Bengal government promptly sent a revised list of eight IPS officers for empanelment, reportedly including acting DGP Rajeev Kumar. However, instead of proceeding with the empanelment process, the UPSC moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the tribunal’s order and seeking relief from the mandated timeline.
Retirement Deadline Adds Urgency
The situation is further complicated by the fact that three DG-rank IPS officers – Rajeev Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, and Jag Mohan – are all scheduled to retire on January 31. Earlier reports suggested that a new DGP would take charge from February 1, but the UPSC’s legal move has now cast serious doubt on that possibility.
DGP Post Vacant for Over Two Years
The post of West Bengal DGP has been effectively vacant since December 28, 2023, when the previous incumbent demitted office. Rajeev Kumar has since been serving as acting DGP for more than two years. The prolonged delay has been attributed to the state government’s failure to initiate the appointment process in time, despite the Supreme Court’s 2006 Prakash Singh judgment, which laid down strict guidelines for appointing police chiefs.
UPSC’s Earlier Objections
The UPSC has previously raised objections, noting that the West Bengal government forwarded its proposal for DGP empanelment only in July 2025, nearly 18 months after the vacancy arose. Citing this delay, the commission returned the proposal and advised the state to seek directions from the Supreme Court.
Despite this, the state government submitted a panel of 10 IPS officers in July 2025, including Rajeev Kumar. The UPSC shortlisted three candidates, but the process stalled after Rajesh Kumar challenged the selection before the CAT.
Rajesh Kumar’s Petition and Fresh Process
Rajesh Kumar, currently serving as Principal Secretary in the Department of Mass Education Extension and Library Services, approached the CAT seeking inclusion of his name in the panel of three senior-most IPS officers eligible for appointment as DGP. The tribunal’s order on his petition led to the submission of a fresh list, reopening the empanelment process and setting the stage for the current legal battle.
Legal Uncertainty Continues
With the UPSC now seeking relief from the Delhi High Court, the future of the DGP appointment remains uncertain. The case underscores the ongoing tug-of-war between constitutional bodies, judicial forums, and the state government over adherence to prescribed procedures and timelines.
