Telangana Begins DGP Selection Process; Six Senior IPS Officers in Contention
The Government of Telangana has formally initiated the process to appoint a full-time Director General of Police (DGP), submitting a list of eligible DGP-rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The move comes days after the Supreme Court of India directed the UPSC to complete the selection process within a stipulated timeline.
Uncertainty Over Inclusion of Incumbent DGP
There is uncertainty over whether the incumbent in-charge DGP, B. Shivadhar Reddy, has been included in the list. While one version suggests his name is among six probables, another indicates he may have been excluded due to his impending retirement at the end of April, leaving him with less than six months of service.
Officers in the Fray
Among the senior officers believed to be in contention are:
CV Anand
Prabhakar Apte
Sowmya Mishra
Shikha Goel
Abhilasha Bisht
All are officers of DGP rank and are considered eligible under the prescribed norms.
Supreme Court Directive and Prakash Singh Guidelines
The development follows a February 5 directive from the Supreme Court granting the UPSC four weeks to finalise the DGP selection in accordance with the landmark Prakash Singh vs. Union of India judgment.
The apex court had expressed concern that several states, including Telangana, were appointing in-charge DGPs without following the mandated selection procedure.
Under the Prakash Singh guidelines:
States must forward a panel of eligible senior officers to the UPSC.
The UPSC shortlists candidates based on merit, seniority, and service record.
The state government then makes the final appointment from the UPSC-recommended panel.
Focus Shifts to UPSC Scrutiny
With the submission of names completed, attention now turns to the UPSC’s evaluation and shortlisting process. The inclusion or exclusion of the current in-charge DGP could influence the final panel.
The appointment is being closely watched as it will shape police leadership in Telangana and reflect the state’s adherence to Supreme Court-mandated police reforms.
