Karnataka govt. in a fix as UPSC flags Saleem’s appointment, demands SC nod

Bengaluru

In a significant setback for the Karnataka government, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) panel has sent a strongly worded letter questioning the appointment of M A Saleem as the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IG) of the State. Besides asked the State to seek a nod from the Supreme Court (SC) for his appointment. 

The State government appointed the 1993-batch IPS officer, M A Saleem, to the top post on May 21 following the retirement of Alok Mohan, a 1987-batch officer. However, this appointment was made as an interim arrangement pending the UPSC panel’s recommendation for a full-term DG & IG.

Notably, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government chose Saleem over Prashanth Kumar Thakur, a 1992-batch IPS officer, who is currently serving as Director General of Police, Fire and Emergency Services. This decision has reportedly caused discontent among senior IPS officers in the state.

Blrpost.com has reliably learned that the UPSC panel has written to the Karnataka government seeking an explanation as to why and how Saleem was given additional charge as DG&IG, while already holding the post of Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The panel has further asked the State to approach the SC to obtain necessary clarification and approval for the appointment.

Unless the government approaches the SC, the UPSC panel will not proceed with the process of selecting a merit-based candidate for the DG&G position.

It is noteworthy that on July 10, 2024, the government issued a notification directing senior IPS officer and Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Malini Krishnamurthy, along with Ballari Inspector General of Police (IGP) B.S. Lokesh Kumar, to submit their applications for pension, gratuity, and related retirement benefits. This move has reportedly caused confusion within the IPS cadre across the state. 

Interestingly, no such notification was issued to Alok Mohan, who was originally scheduled to retire on April 30. However, his tenure was subsequently extended to comply with the Supreme Court’s guidelines mandating a two-year minimum term. The government, however, has not made Mohan’s extension order public. Sources suggest that this lack of transparency may have been intentional to facilitate the appointment of Saleem. 

It is important to note that the Supreme Court’s 2006 guidelines in the Prakash Singh case prohibit the appointment of an acting DG & IG. In October 2024, the SC had issued notices to eight states and the Centre over a petition demanding the appointment of regular DG&IGs as per the guidelines.

Sources indicate that the Karnataka government’s delay in approaching the apex court may be a move to allow Saleem to continue in the role of acting DG & IG indefinitely. 

Background

Prakash Singh, a former DGP of Uttar Pradesh and Assam, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court in 1996 seeking police reforms.

In a landmark 2006 judgment, the SC directed all States and Union Territories to implement comprehensive police reforms. The ruling outlined specific steps that governments must follow to ensure police autonomy and protection from political interference.

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