Race for Tamil Nadu DGP Intensifies: SC Orders Fresh Panel, Seema Agrawal & Rajeev Kumar Lead Contenders
The Tamil Nadu government has restarted the process of appointing a regular Director‑General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF) following clear directions from the Supreme Court. The apex court had given the state one week to submit a fresh panel of eligible DGP‑rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for empanelment, ending a prolonged stalemate in police leadership.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
The court’s orders were issued while disposing of a contempt petition filed by Chennai‑based activist Kishore K. Swamy, who alleged that the state government had violated established guidelines in appointing a regular DGP. The Supreme Court mandated:
Submission of a fresh panel of eligible officers by the state within one week
UPSC empanelment within two weeks of receiving the list
Appointment of a regular DGP within three weeks, with a guaranteed minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of superannuation, in line with the Prakash Singh guidelines
This intervention effectively ended the impasse and ensured compliance with national standards for police leadership.
Leading Contenders for the DGP Post
Based on seniority and previous UPSC shortlisting, the top contenders are:
Seema Agrawal (IPS: 1990: TN)
Rajeev Kumar (IPS: 1992: TN)
Sandeep Rai Rathore (IPS: 1992: TN)
These officers were shortlisted by the UPSC when Tamil Nadu submitted its panel in October 2025. However, the state government did not appoint any of them, instead allowing G. Venkatraman (IPS: 1994: TN) to continue as DGP in charge.
Other Senior Officers in Consideration
Other DGP‑rank officers in Tamil Nadu, listed by seniority, include:
K. Vanniaperumal
Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal
Vinit Dev Wankhede
Sanjay Mathur
S. Davidson Devasirvatham
Sandeep Mittal
Bala Naga Devi
State vs Union Government Dispute
In October 2025, Law Minister S. Reghupathy publicly rejected the UPSC‑recommended names, accusing the Union government of attempting to impose its choice of officer over the state’s preferences. Despite this, official sources confirm that the eligibility of the top three contenders remains unchanged.
Notably, Seema Agrawal, despite having only four months of residual service, may still qualify since eligibility is calculated from the date the DGP vacancy arose—September 1, 2025.
Next Steps in Appointment Process
State Government: Submit a fresh panel of eligible officers to UPSC within one week
UPSC: Shortlist three officers from the panel within two weeks
Appointment: The state government will select one officer from the shortlist as the regular DGP/HoPF
Once appointed, the regular DGP will serve a minimum tenure of two years, ensuring stability and continuity in police leadership.
Implications
The resumption of the appointment process is expected to:
End the prolonged acting tenure of the current DGP
Align Tamil Nadu’s police leadership with Supreme Court guidelines
Ensure transparency, seniority compliance, and minimum tenure for stronger law‑and‑order management
