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SC asks UPSC to hold Odisha DGP panel
Daily Pioneer··13 Aug
The Supreme Court told the UPSC not to finalise names for Odisha's next Director General of Police until August 18. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said any backdoor entry was not acceptable. The UPSC counsel said no meeting would be held till the next hearing, as incumbent DGP Y B Khurania demits office on August 16.
Prism
What It Means For You
- If you follow police appointments, UPSC cannot close Odisha's DGP panel before the court hears the PIL on August 18.
- Odisha residents can note Y B Khurania demits office on August 16, so an acting arrangement is likely until the bench decides.
- Anyone watching Prakash Singh compliance can see the court treating a late ADGP promotion into the panel as a possible backdoor entry.
What's Happening
- On August 13 the Supreme Court asked UPSC not to finalise Odisha DGP names and posted the PIL for August 18.
- UPSC told the bench it would not convene its scheduled Thursday meeting on the panel until the next date.
- The petition alleges Odisha withdrew a three DGP list and then promoted an ADGP to include that officer in a fresh panel.
Why DGP Empanelment Goes Through UPSC
- Prakash Singh v Union of India 2006 said a state DGP must be chosen from three senior most officers empanelled by UPSC and given at least two years in the post.
- In February 2026 the court restated that Level 17 DGP posts are filled from officers already holding DGP rank at Level 16, not by expanding the pool at the last minute.
- Chidambaram said Odisha first sent a panel in April, withdrew it, and in May sent three DGPs plus eight ADGPs, which the PIL treats as an attempt to widen eligibility.
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