Odisha Govt Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny Over DGP Appointment
The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Odisha Government’s process of appointing the next Director General of Police (DGP).
A three‑judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified that all parties will be heard together before a final decision, scheduling the next hearing for September 2, 2026.
The PIL alleges that the State violated guidelines laid down in the landmark Prakash Singh case on police reforms, excluding senior eligible officers while including juniors in the panel.
On August 13, the Court directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to defer finalisation of the DGP panel, effectively halting the appointment process.
Following the retirement of DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on August 16, senior IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra was appointed interim DGP.
Meanwhile, the State Government promoted IPS officers Sanjeeb Panda and Yeshwant Jethwa to the rank of Director General.
Sources indicate Panda is among the frontrunners for the permanent post.
The Court’s intervention underscores the importance of transparent police leadership appointments, with the outcome likely to shape Odisha’s law‑and‑order administration in the coming years.
