Mon Aug 04 19:06:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has requested a response from the Tamil Nadu state government regarding the process for appointing the next Director General of Police (DGP). A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed alleging that the state government hasn’t initiated the process of empaneling eligible IPS officers for the DGP position, as required by Supreme Court guidelines in the Prakash Singh v. Union of India case. The petitioner fears the government might appoint an acting DGP or extend the current DGP’s term without following the mandated procedure, potentially influencing the upcoming 2026 Tamil Assembly Elections. The court is seeking clarification on the state’s adherence to Supreme Court and UPSC guidelines and has scheduled a hearing for August 11.
**News Article:**

**Madurai High Court Seeks Clarity on Tamil Nadu DGP Appointment Process**

**MADURAI, INDIA – August 5, 2025** – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has demanded a response from the Tamil Nadu state government regarding the selection process for the next Director General of Police (DGP). This action follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed raising concerns about potential violations of Supreme Court guidelines.

The PIL, filed by K. Yasar Arafath, alleges the state government has yet to initiate the process of empaneling eligible Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for the DGP position, which is set to become vacant upon the retirement of current DGP Shankar Jiwal on August 31st. The petitioner claims that this inaction violates the precedent set by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh v. Union of India case, which mandates a transparent, merit-based selection process.

Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete have requested the state government to outline the procedure it intends to follow for the appointment. They have also sought clarification on how the state will adhere to Supreme Court guidelines, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) guidelines, and the “Single Window System” in the appointment process.

The PIL contends that the state government might be considering appointing an acting DGP or seeking an extension for the current DGP’s term without following the mandated empanelment process. The petitioner further suggests this could be motivated by a desire to influence the police department ahead of the Tamil Assembly Elections in 2026.

The court has expressed concern over potential non-compliance with Supreme Court directives, which emphasize the importance of an independent and professional police force.

The High Court has scheduled a hearing for August 11th to further examine the matter. The petition seeks to restrain the state government from appointing any officer as in-charge or acting DGP, or granting an extension to the retiring DGP, without adhering to due process and securing a UPSC panel recommendation.

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