DGP appointment row: Second contempt petition filed against Tamil Nadu government

A second contempt petition has been filed against the state of Tamil Nadu, in the ongoing row over the appointment of a regular Director General of Police (DGP)/Chief of Police (HoPF).

Madurai-based rights activist Henri Tiphagne has filed the contempt petition against the state secretary for not appointing regular DGP/HoPF despite receiving the list of emancipated officers approved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

SC guidelines

In his petition, he said the state’s action was against the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case.

Dismissing his earlier contempt plea, the Supreme Court has directed the UPSC to complete the empanelment process expeditiously and directed the state government to take immediate steps to appoint a regular DGP.

Currently, G. Venkatraman is holding the post of Acting DGP of Tamil Nadu following the retirement of the then incumbent HoPF Shankar Jiwal.

In compliance with the top court order, the UPSC had convened the Empanelment Committee Meeting in Delhi on September 26, 2025 to shortlist the panel of three DGP officers eligible for appointment to the post of DGP/HoPF.

After the meeting, Mr Tiphagne said the names of three DGPs had been finalized and sent to the Tamil Nadu government by the UPSC. However, after receiving the list of officers eligible for appointment, the State had failed in its duty to take necessary steps without delay in response to the communication of the UPSC Committee to appoint a regular DGP.

“The state has not notified the appointment for more than 15 days from the date of communication by the UPSC committee. It is pertinent to note that the ad hoc/in-charge DGP continues to hold the post from August 31, 2025 till date. This is a clear violation of the Supreme Court guidelines,” Mr. Tiphagne added.