Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has allowed the application for directions in the matter relating to the selection of DGP, filed by the State of Tamil Nadu, after hearing the arguments of Mr P. Wilson, Senior Advocate, for the State of Tamil Nadu.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has allowed the application for directions in the matter relating to the selection of DGP, filed by the State of Tamil Nadu, after hearing the arguments of Mr P. Wilson, Senior Advocate, for the State of Tamil Nadu.
Mr P. Wilson submitted that the selection committee, comprising five members for the selection of the DGP, was constituted in accordance with the directions in Prakash Singh’s case and included two representatives from the state government, namely the DGP and the Chief Secretary. Mr Wilson argued that, since Mr Venkataraman, the DGP in charge, is also a candidate under consideration, the Tamil Nadu government requested the UPSC, by its letter dated 17.9.2025, to substitute the Home Secretary, who is at the rank of Additional Chief Secretary, in his place. However, the UPSC rejected the Chief Secretary’s request on 22.9.2025.
Sr. Adv P. Wilson strongly contended that the subject of Law and Order is with the State under Entry 2 of List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, and the State has the right to be adequately represented before the Empanelment Committee and to have the best DGP. He therefore submitted that the UPSC cannot refuse the State’s request. He further argued that a new Committee must be constituted with two representatives from the State to ensure that its interests are properly protected and to select the DGP.
The learned Amicus Curiae, Sr Adv Raju Ramachandran, also supported the arguments raised by Sr Adv P. Wilson.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court accepted Mr Wilson’s arguments and permitted the state government for nomination of the senior officer to the DGPt be one of member in selection committee . The Court
directed the UPSC to constitute a fresh Empanelment Committee. While giving such directions, the Supreme Court held that the candidate must have at least 10 years of experience in one or more of the four specified areas of service. While allowing the application for clarification, the Court directed the State to revise the panel and submit a fresh proposal based on its interpretation.
Thus, as per the orders of the Supreme Court,
the 3 names sent by the UPSC to the Tamil Nadu Government on 26. 9. 2025, which are subject to challenge before the Court, have been effectively set aside.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed that a fresh exercise be undertaken within 3 weeks in accordance with its directives for the selection of the DGP.
