Punjab & Haryana High Court calls for affidavit on PIL seeking appointment of regular DGP, Punjab

September 9, 2026

Chandigarh: The Punjab & Haryana High Court today called for an affidavit from the State of Punjab in a Public Interest Litigation (CWP(PIL)-252-2026) filed by Advocate Nikhil Thamman, seeking appointment of a regular Director General of Police (Head of Police Force), Punjab, in accordance with the binding directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

The PIL highlights that Punjab has not had a regular DGP (Head of Police Force) for more than the past four years, with the highest post in the State Police Force continuing under an additional-charge arrangement.

Advocate Nikhil Thamman has submitted that such a prolonged arrangement raises serious institutional concerns, as an officer holding the post merely on additional charge may always remain in a potentially compromising position, lacking the institutional security and assured tenure contemplated for a regularly appointed DGP. According to the petitioner, stable and independent leadership at the highest level of the police force is essential for maintaining the Rule of Law and public confidence in policing.

The petitioner has relied upon the landmark judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Prakash Singh & Others v. Union of India & Others, (2006) 8 SCC 1, and the subsequent order dated 13.03.2019, reported as (2019) 4 SCC 13. The Supreme Court had prescribed a procedure for selection of the State DGP through UPSC empanelment and had categorically held that there is no concept of an “acting” DGP.

The PIL further states that the UPSC panel has reportedly already been received by the State Government and that a detailed legal notice dated 24.08.2026 was served upon the concerned authorities seeking appointment of a regular DGP.

The matter was heard today by the Division Bench comprising Hon’ble Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Hon’ble Justice Rohit Kapoor, which directed the State to file an affidavit in the matter.

The case has been fixed for further hearing on 01.10.2026.

Advocate Nikhil Thamman stated that the PIL has been filed in larger public interest to ensure compliance with the binding directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and to ensure that the Punjab Police has stable, independent and legally compliant leadership at its highest level.