Centre, Jharkhand in face-off over DGP

A constitutional standoff has emerged in Jharkhand, where the state and Centre are at loggerheads over the continuation of DGP Anurag Gupta. While the Union Home Ministry has stated that Gupta's tenure ended on April 30, the Hemant Soren-led state government insists he continues to hold office-setting the stage for an unusual administrative crisis.

In a letter to the state's Chief Secretary on April 22, the Ministry said only the Centre is empowered to extend the service of an IPS officer. But the state is saying Gupta was appointed under new state rules that were amended earlier this year to bypass the Centre's involvement in selecting the DGP.

Gupta was originally appointed acting DGP on July 27, 2024. However, during the state assembly elections, he was removed following complaints by the BJP. Post-elections, Gupta returned as DGP under the new process.

As per the amended norms, Jharkhand now forms its own DGP selection committee. This move has not been accepted by the central government.