Jharkhand News: Anurag Gupta Removed as Acting DGP by Election Commission, Ajay Kumar Singh Likely to Return

Ranchi, October 19, 2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a directive for the immediate removal of Anurag Gupta, who was serving as the Acting Director General of Police (DGP) in Jharkhand. The Commission has instructed the state government to appoint the most senior officer of DGP rank to take over the position.

Following this order, it is expected that Ajay Kumar Singh, a senior IPS officer, will be reinstated as the DGP. The state government is likely to issue an official notification regarding this development soon.

Background: Appointment and Controversies Surrounding Anurag Gupta

The Election Commission’s decision to remove Anurag Gupta stems from two primary reasons.

Firstly, Gupta was appointed as the Acting DGP on July 24, 2024, following the exit of his predecessor.

Secondly, complaints had been filed against him with the Election Commission, alleging his involvement in issues of misconduct.

Anurag Gupta had previously been accused of being involved in a horse-trading case linked to Rajya Sabha elections. However, he was later cleared of those allegations.

Reinstatement of Ajay Kumar Singh as DGP

Before Anurag Gupta took over, Ajay Kumar Singh, an IPS officer from the 1989 batch, was serving as the DGP of Jharkhand. His sudden removal from the post had stirred controversy, leading to legal challenges.

Following the Election Commission’s directive, it is anticipated that Ajay Kumar Singh will once again assume the role of the state’s top police officer. The swift reinstatement is expected to restore stability within the Jharkhand Police Department.

Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Notice

The controversy surrounding Anurag Gupta’s appointment as Acting DGP reached the Supreme Court when a contempt petition was filed against the Jharkhand government. Jamshedpur resident Naresh Makani, who initiated the legal action, argued that the appointment of Anurag Gupta as Acting DGP violated Supreme Court guidelines.

According to the petition, the Supreme Court’s directive from July 3, 2018, explicitly prohibits the appointment of acting or interim DGPs in any state.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court issued a notice to Anurag Gupta, seeking an explanation for his appointment despite the court’s previous rulings. The matter is currently under legal scrutiny, adding to the complexities surrounding the administrative decisions in Jharkhand.

Recurring Issue of Ad Hoc Appointments in Jharkhand Police

The issue of ad hoc appointments to the DGP position is not new in Jharkhand. According to reports, this pattern has been observed multiple times in recent years.

On June 8, 2019, then-DGP KN Chaubey was transferred to the position of Officer on Special Duty (Modernization) in New Delhi, and 1987-batch IPS officer MV Rao was appointed as his replacement. However, MV Rao was also removed later, and on February 12, 2021, Neeraj Sinha was appointed as the DGP.

These frequent changes in the leadership of the police force have led to legal challenges in the Supreme Court. The appointments of MV Rao and Neeraj Sinha were both contested, raising questions about the adherence to legal guidelines.

Neeraj Sinha completed his two-year term as DGP on February 12, 2023, paving the way for Ajay Kumar Singh to be appointed on February 15, 2023. Each of these appointments faced legal scrutiny, emphasizing the need for transparent and consistent policies regarding key administrative roles.

Implications of the Election Commission’s Directive

The Election Commission’s directive to remove Anurag Gupta and reinstate Ajay Kumar Singh is expected to have significant implications. For one, it highlights the importance of adhering to legal guidelines and maintaining transparency in administrative appointments.

The directive also underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies function without any potential conflicts of interest, especially during the election process.

The decision is likely to bring clarity and stability to the state’s law enforcement leadership. With Ajay Kumar Singh anticipated to return as DGP, the Jharkhand government aims to restore public trust and ensure compliance with judicial orders.

Conclusion: Upholding Legal Standards in Administrative Roles

The Election Commission’s decision to remove Anurag Gupta from the post of Acting DGP signifies a crucial step towards enforcing legal norms and promoting transparency in administrative appointments.

The directive not only emphasizes adherence to Supreme Court guidelines but also reflects the Commission’s effort to ensure impartiality and efficiency in the state’s law enforcement.

As this situation continues to unfold, the state government is expected to act promptly to comply with the Election Commission’s order and reinstate Ajay Kumar Singh as the DGP.

This development will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for other states regarding adherence to judicial guidelines and the integrity of administrative processes.