Ongoing Centre-J’khand standoff over DGP Anurag Gupta escalates with third letter

The ongoing standoff between the Central and Jharkhand governments over the tenure of state DGP Anurag Gupta (IPS:1990:JH) has deepened, with the Centre issuing a third letter urging his removal. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated its position that Gupta’s continuation as Director General of Police after April 30 is unconstitutional and in violation of All India Services Rules.

The letter, received by the Jharkhand government three days ago, asserts that the Centre considers Gupta retired and has advised the state to take immediate corrective action. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been apprised, and the issue is currently under deliberation at the highest level of the state administration.

DGP Anurag Gupta was originally due to superannuate on April 30, 2025. However, the state government, ahead of this deadline, introduced new rules in January, enabling it to appoint the DGP independently—without routing the selection through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Under the earlier system, a panel of names was to be sent by the UPSC to the state, which would then appoint one among them.

The Jharkhand government constituted a special committee, chaired by a retired High Court judge, which recommended Anurag Gupta’s name. Acting on this, the state appointed him as DGP in February 2025. The government argues that the process is in conformity with the Supreme Court’s directives on fixed tenure for DGPs. According to the state’s interpretation, once appointed, a DGP is entitled to a two-year tenure, regardless of the date of superannuation.

The Centre, however, has categorically rejected this interpretation. It maintains that the extension contravenes established service rules, and insists Gupta’s continued presence in the post has no legal standing. The Ministry has described his tenure as “unconstitutional” in all three communications sent to the state.

While the state government holds that its action is legally sound and compliant with judicial guidelines, the Centre has stood its ground—setting the stage for a serious constitutional and administrative confrontation between the two governments.

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