Manipur: Supreme Court allows appointment of DGP from outside state cadre amid unrest
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Supreme Court on May 27 permitted the Manipur government to appoint a Director General of Police (DGP) from outside the state cadre, considering the ongoing unrest and security challenges in the violence-affected state.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, approved the request while hearing an application filed by the Manipur government. The court noted that the present DGP, Rajiv Singh of the Tripura cadre, is scheduled to retire on May 31.
Observing the exceptional circumstances prevailing in Manipur, the bench said there was sufficient justification to allow the appointment of a police chief from outside the state cadre.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that authorities were unable to find a suitable candidate among eligible officers within the Manipur cadre.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati also submitted that an immediate decision was necessary due to the impending retirement of the current DGP.
The state government had approached the apex court citing the prolonged ethnic conflict and deteriorating law-and-order situation, seeking flexibility in appointing a senior police officer capable of handling the prevailing crisis.
Manipur has been witnessing continuing ethnic tensions and security concerns, prompting the administration to strengthen policing and overall security management in the state.