State police chief on 3-week leave

State Police Chief AN Roy proceeded on leave following an order by the Bombay High Court asking the state government to remove him from the post.

State Police Chief AN Roy on Wednesday proceeded on leave following an order by the Bombay High Court asking the state government to remove him from the post.

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“Roy has proceeded on a three week’s leave,” said Chief Secretary Johny Joseph.

Last week, the court had set aside Roy’s appointment as Director General of Police citing procedural lapses.

The state government is yet to decide on further course of action, said Joseph.

The court has given the government two weeks time to appoint a new police chief.

A top official said the government has not yet ruled out the possibility of approaching the Supreme Court as the leaders of the ruling Congress and NCP thought the appointments on key posts was the prerogative of the ruling parties since the performance of the government depended on the heads of crucial departments including the police.

Meanwhile, the government plans to set up a panel to decide on appointments on key posts.