The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, in a key meeting, approved several significant measures, including the rules for the appointment of the Director General of Police (DGP).

With this decision, the state government now holds the authority to appoint the DGP directly at the state level, reducing dependency on the central government for the appointment process. This move, however, has sparked criticism from Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, who hinted at a potential power shift.

Yadav, in a post on social media platform X, remarked, “I have heard that arrangements are being made to grant a senior official a permanent position and extend their term by two years. The question is, will those making these arrangements themselves stay for two years?” He went on to imply that this move may represent an attempt by the state to wrest control from Delhi, dubbing it “Delhi vs Lucknow 2.0.”

Under the new guidelines, the DGP appointment will now be conducted entirely at the state level. Chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the cabinet approved the “Police Director General, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules 2024.” The rules establish a selection committee, led by a retired High Court judge, to oversee the appointment process. Additionally, a minimum tenure of two years for the DGP has been mandated, with provisions for continuity in service barring extraordinary circumstances.

The selection committee will include the Chief Secretary, a Union Public Service Commission nominee, the Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (or a representative), the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), and a retired DGP who previously served in the role. This committee aims to create an independent and transparent process, free from political or executive interference, ensuring that the DGP is selected solely based on merit.

The cabinet’s approval also includes provisions aligned with Supreme Court guidelines on police reforms. These guidelines allow the state government to relieve the DGP from duty before the completion of the two-year tenure if involved in criminal misconduct, corruption, or failure to fulfill their duties.

The decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2006 directive on police reforms, which urged states to adopt new police legislation aimed at insulating the police force from external pressures. This reform seeks to ensure that law enforcement functions independently, protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law.

The cabinet’s decision is a major step in the state’s police reforms. However, it also underscores the ongoing debate between central and state control in policing matters, with political observers watching closely to see how this policy shift will unfold in Uttar Pradesh’s administrative landscape.