Supreme Court seeks review of State DGP appointment rules against 2006 Prakash Singh judgment
The Supreme Court of India has tasked an amicus curiae with reviewing whether state-level rules for appointing Directors General of Police (DGPs) comply with the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment. The court is specifically examining the appointment of Jharkhand's DGP following complaints from the Centre regarding adherence to established tenure and eligibility guidelines.
Why it matters
This case addresses the critical balance of power between the Centre and States regarding police administration and the enforcement of judicial mandates on institutional transparency.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (October 8, 2026) asked amicus curiae, senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, to examine whether Rules and other delegated legislation made by States for appointment of DGPs violate the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment of the apex court.
The 2006 judgment referred to by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant had laid down guidelines for a transparent appointment process and a minimum tenure of two years.
The apex court had, in a further order in 2019, clarified that only senior police officers with a residual tenure of six months before normal retirement should be considered for the post of DGP.
The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had complained in an application that the appointment of Jharkhand DGP, Tadasha Mishra, failed the Prakash Singh test.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in