Bhubaneswar, September 7:The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of a petition challenging the Odisha government's process for selecting the next Director General of Police (DGP) to September 16.

During the hearing, senior IPS officer Sushant Nath, whose name had figured in an earlier list of potential candidates for the DGP's post, reportedly moved an impleadment petition before the Supreme Court in connection with the case.

Appearing for Nath, senior advocate Karuna Nundy argued that his exclusion from the list of officers forwarded by the Odisha government to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for empanelment was contrary to the principles of justice.

Nundy submitted that Nath's integrity certificate had been taken into consideration and highlighted his unblemished policing career. She also pointed out that he is a President's Police Medal awardee, citing his distinguished service and integrity.

During the proceedings, Amicus Curiae Raju Ramachandran, in his written submissions, also raised questions over the procedure adopted for empanelment of candidates for the Odisha DGP's post. He contended that the process did not conform to the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the landmarkPrakash Singhjudgment governing the selection of state police chiefs.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, sought additional time to respond to the submissions made by the amicus curiae and other counsels. The Supreme Court allowed the request and posted the matter for further hearing on September 16.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenges the procedure adopted by the Odisha government for selecting the state's next police chief.

The petitioners have alleged that the state government violated the guidelines laid down in thePrakash Singhjudgment by considering officers of a junior rank, including those serving as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), instead of limiting the shortlist to the three senior-most eligible officers.

The matter has gained significance following the retirement of former Odisha DGP.B. Khuraniaon August 16. Senior IPS officer Binaytosh Mishra is currently serving as the in-charge/interim DGP of Odisha.

The Supreme Court has also directed theUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC) not to finalise the panel of probable candidates for the DGP's post until the court considers the challenge to the selection process.

The case will now come up for hearing onSeptember 16, 2026.