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SC halts Odisha DGP appointment over backdoor entry
Deccan Herald··14 Aug
The Supreme Court on August 13 told the UPSC not to finalise 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. UPSC counsel said Thursday's meeting would not be held, 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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