Archive · 7 Jan 2026
UPSC Rejects Bengal's DGP Appointment Panel
The UPSC has sent back West Bengal's plan to choose a new top police officer because the state took too long to send it.
The current top police officer is retiring soon, and there might be elections coming up.
The UPSC said the state should have sent the plan much earlier, as per the rules.
The state sent the plan almost a year and a half late.
The UPSC had a meeting about it, but people had different opinions.
The UPSC then asked the government's top lawyer for advice.
The lawyer said the state should have gone to the Supreme Court first if they had any problems.
The UPSC thinks that if they accept the late plan, it might not be fair to other people who wanted the job.
A senior police officer also complained that he was not considered for the job fairly.
UPSC returned West Bengal's proposal for DGP appointment due to a delay of nearly 1.5 years.
The current DGP, Rajeev Kumar, is set to retire on January 31, with elections expected in April.
UPSC cited a Supreme Court order requiring states to send proposals at least three months before the incumbent's retirement.
The UPSC held a meeting on October 30, 2025, but divergent views emerged due to the delayed submission.
The Attorney General advised the state to approach the Supreme Court for clarification on the delay.
- Who
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and West Bengal government
- What
- UPSC returned the state's proposal for DGP appointment due to procedural delay
- When
- UPSC's letter was sent on December 31, 2025
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- The state's proposal was delayed by nearly 1.5 years, violating Supreme Court guidelines and creating procedural irregularities
West Bengal Government
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Timeliness of Proposal Submission
West Bengal Government
The state government submitted the proposal within its own timeline, despite the vacancy occurring earlier.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The UPSC insists the proposal was submitted 1.5 years late, violating Supreme Court guidelines.
Handling of Procedural Irregularities
West Bengal Government
The state government believes it followed due process and that the UPSC should consider the panel despite the delay.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The UPSC argues that accepting the late proposal would set a precedent and create anomalies in the selection process.
- Current DGP (In Charge)
- Rajeev Kumar
- Retirement Date of Current DGP
- January 31
- Expected State Elections
- April
- UPSC Deadline for Proposal Submission
- 3 months before retirement
- State's Proposal Submission Date
- July 2025
- UPSC Meeting Date
- October 30, 2025
- Last Permanent DGP
- Manoj Malviya
- Retirement Date of Last Permanent DGP
- December 28, 2023
Sources
UPSC Cites Delay, Asks Bengal To Approach Supreme Court Over Top Cop's Appointment
Alok Raj resigns as BSSC chairman days after appointment
Bengal DGP appointment process hits hurdle, UPSC returns panel advising state to move Supreme Court
