Dilbagh Singh will remain J&K DGP, says SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Dilbagh Singh to continue as the acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu & Kashmir till regular appointment is made.

A three judge Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Kanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud passed this interim order despite strong opposition from counsel Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Prakash Singh, the main petitioner, who contended that Singh is number 5 in seniority and that his appointment violates prior orders passed by the Supreme Court.

Mr. Bhushan told the court that he has filed a contempt petition, as it is a violation of he apex court order. He questioned the decision of the state to make such an appointment and said the State should not be allowed to do this. He said “this is a very serious violation of your Lordships order. They have appointed somebody who is number five in seniority as acting DGP. How can the State be allowed? Your Lordships order has no meaning.” A-G K.K. Venugopal for the Centre and counsel for J&K Shoeb Alam informed the court that the state’s proposal of names for the said appointment has been sent to the UPSC.