In a move that sets the stage for a legal and administrative standoff, the Jharkhand government has declined to comply with the Centre’s directive to retire Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta by April 30, 2025.
Instead, the state has defended its decision to retain him, citing legal grounds and the authority of the Supreme Court's guidelines on DGP appointments.
Anurag Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, was officially appointed as the full-time DGP on 2 February 2025 for a fixed term of two years.
This appointment came after his earlier stints as in-charge DGP, first in July 2024, and again after the 2024 Assembly elections in November, following a brief removal during the polls by the Election Commission.
The Centre, however, maintains that Gupta's continuation beyond April 30, 2025, is invalid, citing the All India Service (Death-cum-Retirement Benefit) Rules, 1958.
According to a letter sent by the Union Home Ministry on April 22 to the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, Gupta is set to superannuate on April 30 and the Centre has not approved any extension of service.
The ministry has clearly stated that his retention would violate the established service rules governing all India services.
In response, the Jharkhand government has taken a firm stance, arguing that removing the DGP before the completion of his two-year tenure would go against the Supreme Court's directives, which were designed to ensure stability in police leadership.
Officials in the state said the reply sent to the Centre was framed after taking legal advice and addressed every issue raised in the Centre’s communication.
The state asserts that its appointment process was conducted under revised rules formulated to be in line with Supreme Court guidelines.
The government also noted that the rules had been modelled after similar frameworks adopted by states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.
A committee chaired by a retired judge had also recommended Anurag Gupta’s name for the post after evaluating the merits of the candidates.
Adding another layer of complexity, the state government pointed out that a case regarding Gupta’s appointment is already pending before the Supreme Court.
Hence, it maintains that any action against his continuation at this stage would be premature and inappropriate, especially before the court delivers its verdict on the matter.
The situation reflects a broader tussle between the state and central governments over administrative autonomy and appointments to top posts.
While the Centre views Gupta’s continued service as a breach of service rules, the state is holding its ground on constitutional and judicial principles that protect fixed terms for DGPs.
The final outcome may depend on how the Supreme Court interprets the overlapping issues of service regulations, state authority and its own earlier guidelines on police leadership.
Until then, Anurag Gupta remains at the helm of Jharkhand’s police force, with the political and legal drama set to unfold in the coming months.
Follow us
