DGP appointment row: second contempt petition moved against Tamil Nadu government

A second contempt petition has been moved against the State of Tamil Nadu in the ongoing row over the appointment of a regular Director-General of Police (DGP)/Head of Police Force (HoPF).

Madurai-based rights activist Henri Tiphagne has filed the contempt against the State Chief Secretary for not appointing a regular DGP/HoPF despite having received the list of empanelled officers approved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

SC guidelines

In his petition, he said the action of the State was violative of the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case.

Disposing of his earlier contempt plea, the Supreme Court has directed the UPSC to expeditiously complete the process of empanelment and directed the State government to take steps forthwith to appoint a regular DGP.

At present, G. Venkatraman holds the post of acting DGP of Tamil Nadu after the retirement of the then incumbent HoPF Shankar Jiwal.

Pursuant to the apex court order, the UPSC had convened the Empanelment Committee Meeting in Delhi on September 26, 2025, to shortlist the panel of three DGP-rank officers fit for appointment to the post of DGP/HoPF.

After the meeting, Mr. Tiphagne said the names of three DGPs had been finalised and sent to the Tamil Nadu government by the UPSC. However, having received the list of officers eligible to be appointed, the State had failed in its duty to take necessary steps forthwith on the communication by the UPSC committee, to appoint a regular DGP.

“The State has not issued notification regarding the appointment for more than 15 days from the date of communication from 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 guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court,” Mr. Tiphagne added.