Notice to Centre, Gujarat on DGP appointment

The SC today sought response from the Centre and Gujarat government on a petition challenging the appointment of controversial IPS officer PC Pandey as DGP.

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Centre and Gujarat government on a petition challenging the appointment of controversial IPS officer PC Pandey as Director General of Police (DGP), who was accused of playing a partisan role in post-Godhra riots in 2002.

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Issuing notices to the Home Ministry and State Government, a Bench comprising Justice Ruma Pal and Justice Markandey Katju also sought a reply from Pandey on the allegation that he actively connived with certain political forces to allow the carnage when he was Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad.

The PIL filed by the NGO, Citizens for Justice and Peace through its Secretary Teesta Setalvad, has sought quashing of Pandey's appointment as DGP contending that if it were allowed he would be involved in the probe of all riot-related cases.

Before notices were issued, senior advocate Harish Salve and Aparna Bhat, appearing for the NGO, had to answer some sharp questions showered by the Bench.

At the outset, the Bench said how could an NGO seek court's intervention for removal of a DGP. "How can Supreme Court interfere with the appointment of Chief Secretary, DGP etc," Justice Katju said.

Salve agreed with the Court's query but said the NGO was seeking quashing of DGP's appointment, as there was an order by the Gujarat High Court when Pandey was on deputation with the CBI that he would not be associated with the riot cases.

"He (Pandey) cannot be a boss where there is allegation against him," Salve said pointing out that as a DGP, entire investigation of the cases will have to be reported to him.

The NGO said, "Some arrangement has to be made to look into the riot-related cases".