HC Orders Punjab to Appoint Regular DGP Immediately
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the state government to appoint a regular DGP following a PIL regarding long-standing vacancies.
In a significant move concerning the state's law enforcement leadership, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Punjab Government to appoint a regular Director General of Police (DGP). This order comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the prolonged vacancy in the state's top police position.
The Legal Push for a Permanent DGP
The matter was brought to the court's attention by Advocate Nikhil Thamman through a PIL. The petitioner argued that Punjab has been functioning without a regular DGP for more than four years, a situation that undermines the administrative structure of the state's police force.
Thamman's petition specifically invoked the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case. This ruling provides clear guidelines regarding the appointment of a regular DGP, emphasizing that the selection should be made from a panel recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
UPSC Panel Already Submitted
A key detail emerged during the proceedings: the Punjab Government had already received the recommended panel from the UPSC in the first week of July. Despite having this list, the state had yet to finalize an appointment. During the hearing, government representatives informed the court that the UPSC panel was currently "under consideration."
Court Mandates Compliance Affidavit
Responding to the submissions, the High Court did not accept further delays. The court has directed the Punjab Government to proceed with the appointment of a regular DGP in strict accordance with the Supreme Court's established mandates. Furthermore, the Chief Secretary has been tasked with filing a compliance affidavit to prove that the order has been implemented.
The court has set a deadline for this process, with the next hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026. By that date, the Chief Secretary must place the compliance report on the record.
Potential Contempt Proceedings
The petitioner has made it clear that the court's directive must be taken seriously. Speaking to the media, Nikhil Thamman stated that if the government fails to appoint a regular DGP by the next hearing date, he will not hesitate to file a contempt petition against the Chief Secretary of Punjab.
The legal battle now rests on whether the state administration will act swiftly to fill the highest police office in the state or face further judicial scrutiny.