Tripura Govt Informs SC About DGP Appointment Process that State is Complying with the 2006 Verdict on Police Reforms

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 2, 2025

The Tripura government has informed the Supreme Court that it is complying with the 2006 verdict on police reforms and has initiated the process for appointing a regular Director General of Police (DGP). The state made the submission before a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO MONDRA and private petitioner Bipin Chandra Kalai who is a Tipramotha leader of Tripura. The PIL had challenged the state government’s alleged failure to adhere to court-mandated procedures for appointing a DGP.

The 2006 Supreme Court ruling in the Prakash Singh case had outlined strict guidelines for DGP appointments, including the requirement to consult the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and ensure merit-based selection. It also mandated that the process should be initiated well in advance before the retirement of the incumbent DGP.

The state government has assured the court that it has adhered to these directives and initiated the selection process on March 7. It has also committed to appointing a regular DGP from a list of three senior IPS officers, shortlisted by the UPSC based on seniority, experience, and merit. This development comes as the current DGP, Amitabh Ranjan, is set to retire on May 31, 2025.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vipin Sanghi, representing the NGO, argued that the state had failed to initiate the appointment process in time and had been non-compliant with judicial directives meant to uphold transparency in police leadership appointments. However, the state government rebutted these claims and submitted a sealed report to the bench detailing the steps taken.

Sources indicate that Anurag Dhankar, the present DGP (Intelligence), is among the front-runners for the post of the new DGP of Tripura. His extensive experience and current role in intelligence affairs make him a strong contender for the position.

The Supreme Court is expected to review the submissions made by the state and provide further directives on the matter in the coming days. The appointment of the new DGP will be crucial in ensuring effective law enforcement and maintaining administrative integrity in Tripura.

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