Search begins for new DGP; Roy in running

As the deadline set by the Bombay High Court for appointment of the new Director General of Police nears, the state Home department has geared up to finalise a new name. Dharmendra Jore reports.

As the deadline set by the Bombay High Court for appointment of the new Director General of Police nears, the state Home department has geared up to finalise a new name.

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On February 5, the court had cancelled the appointment of incumbent Director General (DG) AN Roy on legal grounds, but allowed him to continue till February 19. The HC directed the state to complete the replacement process and announce the new name by March 5.

Hindustan Times’ report on February 6 (‘Will state police chief really go?’) quoted Roy’s lawyer Birendra Saraf and a senior Home department official saying that Roy could be reconsidered at the time of [the new] appointment. State Home minister Jayant Patil on Tuesday confirmed that Roy was among the contenders for the post, but refused further comment.

Roy has not appealed before the Supreme Court as the state short-listed him along with three other senior DGs for the appointment — SS Virk, JD Virkar and Suprakash Chakravorty.

Chakravorty had initiated legal proceedings against the state last year for appointing Roy by ignoring claims of three senior DGs.

A Home department officer said that it was likely that Roy would be picked again as the three seniors are due to retire this year. The officer said it was unlikely any of the other three officers would get a two-year tenure as the Centre was yet to amend the service and pay rules.