Brief
Supreme Court delays ruling on Odisha police chief appointments
The apex court heard submissions on the state's request to promote two senior officers to temporary DGP rank and will announce its decision after Oct. 8.
By Felo News Desk · Published
India's Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict in a case concerning the appointment of two temporary Director General of Police (DGP) officers in Odisha, after hearing arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Mehta told the three‑judge bench—Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana—that the state had sought and received Centre approval in 2024 for the two posts, aiming to promote officers who had completed 30 years of service and boost morale. He said one officer was slated for promotion on Aug. 16, following a retirement, and the other on Nov. 30.
The bench questioned why Odisha created an ex‑cadre post when the UPSC had already recommended three eligible IPS officers under the Prakash Singh guidelines. Mehta replied that the state wanted a larger pool of candidates and had complied with Ministry of Home Affairs parameters.
The judgment is expected after Oct. 8, when the court will also hear a related petition from Jharkhand. The case has been heard eight times by the Supreme Court.
Key facts
- The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on the Odisha DGP appointment case after hearing submissions on Sep 29, 2026. (newindianexpress.com)
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Odisha obtained Centre approval in 2024 for two temporary DGP posts. (newindianexpress.com)
- Promotions were planned for Aug 16 and Nov 30, 2024, for officers completing 30 years of service. (newindianexpress.com)
What we don't know yet
- The final Supreme Court decision after Oct 8.
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Supreme Court reserves verdict in Odisha DGP appointment case”
