THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 11, 2026

The battle over who will take charge of Odisha Police has moved to the Supreme Court, with a PIL challenging the State government’s proposed panel of IPS officers for appointment as the next Director General of Police and alleging an attempt to sidestep the apex court’s prescribed eligibility norms.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana on Tuesday agreed to list the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate P Chidambaram, appearing for the petitioner, raised the issue before the court.

Chidambaram alleged that the Odisha government had withdrawn an earlier panel sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and was now preparing a fresh list that could include officers who, according to the petitioner, do not meet the eligibility criteria laid down by the Supreme Court.

He further submitted that the State was attempting to first promote an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to the DGP rank and thereafter include the officer in the revised panel.

Taking note of the submissions, CJI Surya Kant said the UPSC was fully aware of the eligibility requirements and expected the commission to follow the court’s directions.

 “They are well aware of who is eligible and who can be considered. If a panel of ineligible officers is being sent, we expect the UPSC to act in accordance with our directions,” the CJI observed.

The dispute stems from the procedure mandated by the Supreme Court in the landmark Prakash Singh Vs Union of India case governing appointment of state police chiefs.

In February this year, the apex court reiterated that states must adhere to the prescribed procedure, under which the UPSC prepares a panel of eligible officers and the state government appoints the DGP from among those empanelled.

The court has also clarified that eligibility norms cannot be diluted merely because the pool of qualifying officers is limited.

The controversy assumes urgency as incumbent Odisha DGP YB Khurania is due to retire on August 16.

The State had initially forwarded three names before sending a wider panel of 11 senior IPS officers to the UPSC. The commission was scheduled to meet on August 7 to shortlist three candidates.

Chidambaram told the Bench that the State had sent a panel in April but later withdrew it, followed by a May panel comprising three DGPs and eight ADGPs.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has promoted senior IPS officers Sanjeeb Panda and YK Jethwa to the rank of DGP following approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The Supreme Court will take up the matter on Wednesday, potentially adding another legal twist to the impending change at the helm of Odisha Police.