NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Saturday wrote to governor and chief election commissioner raising objection over the potential reappointment of IPS Rashmi Shukla as director general of Police.
Patole alleged that Shukla’s appointment was “fundamentally flawed” as it violated the apex court’s directive requiring a minimum remaining service period of six months for DGP appointments.
“Shukla’s initial appointment on 4th January 2024 was fundamentally flawed as it violated the Supreme Court’s directive requiring a minimum remaining service period of six months for DGP appointments, rendering the appointment void from the outset. Furthermore, the extension granted to her on 27th February 2024 was invalid as it lacked approval from the Central Government, contravened established service rules, and bypassed the mandatory consultation process with the Union Public Service Commission,” the letter read.
“Additionally, the ECI’s order dated 5th November 2024, which unequivocally directed her removal and replacement, remains unheeded. The ECI’s directive was clear and unconditional, yet any potential move to reinstate her would amount to a direct violation of the ECI’s constitutional authority under Article 324, contempt of the Supreme Court’s guidelines in the Prakash Singh case, and a breach of established administrative protocols,” it added.
Patole also accused Shukla of having a tenure marred with internal unrest and strained relations with senior police officers.
“Her tenure has been marred by significant unrest within the police force, strained relationships with senior officers, multiple complaints about arbitrary decision- making, and questions regarding her physical fitness to perform her duties effectively,” the letter read.
“Moreover, there are ongoing investigations into serious allegations, including illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders, misuse of official position, and political bias in police administration. These unresolved issues further underscore the inappropriateness of considering her reappointment,” it added.
This comes days after Election Commission transferred DGP Maharashtra Rashmi Shukla following Congress’ complaint accusing the top cop of being “biased” against the opposition in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
The poll body directed the chief secretary to hand over Shukla’s charge to next senior most IPS officer in the cadre. The chief secretary was also directed to send a panel of the three IPS officers by Tuesday for the appointment as DGP.
Earlier during the review meetings and announcement of assembly elections in the state , chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar had warned officials to not only be impartial and fair but also perceived to be non-partisan in their conduct while carrying out their duties.
