Bhubaneswar, September 7: The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the hearing of a plea challenging the Odisha government's process for appointing the next Director General of Police (DGP) until September 16.
Meanwhile, senior IPS officer Sushant Nath, whose name figured in an earlier list of proposed candidates for the DGP's post, has reportedly filed an impleadment petition before the Supreme Court in connection with the case.
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 landmarkPrakash Singhguidelines by considering officers of junior rank, including those holding the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), instead of restricting the shortlist to the three senior-most eligible officers.
The matter assumes significance following the retirement of former Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania on August 16. Senior IPS officer Binaytosh Mishra is currently serving as the in-charge/interim DGP of the state.
The Supreme Court has also directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) not to finalise the panel of probable candidates for the DGP's post until the court examines the challenge to the appointment process.
The case will now be heard on September 16, 2026.
