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Odisha DGP selection process legal challenge

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2026-09-23 12:00 UTC → 2026-09-24 13:04 UTC · added removed

The Supreme Court of India is reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the selection process for the Director General of Police (DGP) in Odisha. The legal challenge examines whether the state government complied with the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment guidelines when forwarding eligible IPS officer names to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Initial concerns raised by an amicus curiae and critics focused on a lack of transparency, specifically regarding the promotion of two additional director general-rank officers to the DGP position and the exclusion of IPS officer Sushant Kumar Nath. The withdrawal of Nath’s integrity certificate was a central point of contention, with critics alleging the government did not follow prescribed procedures for his exclusion. During subsequent recent hearings, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard arguments from petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate P. Chidambaram, who argued that questioned the state altered government regarding the candidate pool through post-nomination promotions. specific circumstances under which Nath’s integrity certificate was withdrawn. The Odisha government, represented court sought clarity on whether the state was effectively treating Nath as an accused by withholding the Advocate General and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, maintains that all nominations adhere certificate following a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to statutory parameters and administrative requirements. question him in relation to a sub-inspector recruitment case. The court continues bench is investigating the timeline of events to investigate determine if the state government was aware of the CBI’s request prior to submitting names to the UPSC. The proceedings continue to address whether last-minute promotions and the empanelment process maintains inclusion of officers elevated to the transparency mandated by DG rank after the initial list submission violate judicial precedent. mandates for transparent police appointments.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-24 13:04 UTC Odisha DGP selection process legal challenge
  2. 2026-09-23 12:00 UTC Odisha DGP selection process legal challenge

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