Bengal DGP Legal Row: Who Will Take Over? Uncertainty Continues As Rajeev Kumar Bids Farewell

The identity of the next director general of police for West Bengal is uncertain, as the matter remains entangled in legal proceedings. Rajeev Kumar, one of the most talked-about IPS officers in the state and the acting DGP, bid farewell with a parade on January 27.

Rajeev Kumar was known for his unique investigation techniques and discreet operations. He became well-known nationwide in 2019 when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supported him during a sit-in protest after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought to question him in the Saradha scam case.

In his farewell address, Kumar stressed on the role of courage in policing, praising the West Bengal police as one of the finest forces in the country.

“There can be no police force without

courage. We are prepared to lay down our lives with pride in the line of duty. Courage means standing firm on your own, holding your ground, and staying true to your convictions,” Kumar said.

He highlighted the strategic and geopolitical challenges West Bengal faces. “Our state occupies a geopolitically sensitive position. Issues along the borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan directly affect our state. That is why our challenges are immense. What people say on social media or on television does not matter. Our work is the final word,” he said.

Kumar added: “My conscience will tell me whether I am right or wrong. True courage speaks from within — listen to your inner voice. We have tackled the Naxal challenge twice, at the cost of more than 250 lives. The scale at which we maintain law and order — during Durga Puja, Gangasagar, and other major events — is significant. We can proudly say that we are capable of meeting these challenges. The contribution of Home Guards, civic volunteers, and senior officers is equally important. We should take pride in the efficiency of our force. There is no other state with challenges like ours.”

Shortly after his speech, the Delhi High Court denied the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) a stay on its plea challenging the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order. The UPSC had approached the high court against CAT’s directives regarding the DGP appointment process.

Meanwhile, IPS officer Rajesh Kumar will press his contempt petition before CAT on Friday (January 30), seeking directions for the UPSC to finalise the empanelment by January 31 (Saturday). The panel of names sent to the UPSC on January 21 includes Rajeev Kumar.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL BATTLE ALL ABOUT?

The appointment of the next DGP of West Bengal has become a significant legal battle. The UPSC has contested an interim order by CAT before the Delhi HC, arguing that the tribunal’s January 21 order effectively grants final relief that is not permissible under established Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Earlier, CAT had directed the convening of the empanelment committee to prepare a panel of eligible officers and forward its recommendations to the state government within strict timelines. The UPSC contends that this direction violates SC guidelines from the Prakash Singh case, which aims to protect senior police appointments from political and executive interference.

The dispute has immediate implications, as acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, along with senior IPS officers Rajesh Kumar and Ranveer Kumar, is due to retire on January 31. Under CAT’s directions, the state was required to send a panel to the UPSC by January 23, the UPSC to meet by January 28, and recommendations to be forwarded by January 29 — without specifying a deadline for the state government’s final decision.

The controversy began when Rajesh Kumar approached CAT, alleging he was denied a fair opportunity to be considered for the post of DGP due to delays and procedural irregularities by the UPSC. Earlier, the UPSC had returned the state’s proposal for empanelment citing inordinate delay and non-compliance with SC guidelines that mandate proposals be sent at least three months before the incumbent DGP’s retirement.