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

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

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

SC guidelines

In his petition, he said that the State’s action violated the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case.

Putting aside the earlier allegation of contempt, the Supreme Court directed the UPSC to complete the appointment 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 after the retirement of the then incumbent HoPF Shankar Jiwal.

In accordance with the apex court order, UPSC held Appointment Committee Meeting in Delhi on September 26, 2025 to shortlist the panel of three DGP rank officers eligible for appointment to the post of DGP/HoPF.

After the meeting, Mr. Tiphagne said the names of the three DGPs were finalized and sent to the Tamil Nadu government by the UPSC. However, the State, having received the list of officers eligible for appointment, had failed in its duty to immediately take necessary steps regarding the communication of the UPSC committee to appoint a regular DGP.

“The state did not notify about the appointment for more than 15 days from the date of communication from the UPSC committee. It is pertinent to note that the interim/in-charge DGP continued to hold office from August 31, 2025 till date. This is a clear violation of the rules laid down by the Supreme Court,” Mr. Tiphagne added.