Bhubaneswar, Sep 7: Odisha Jail DGP Susanta Nath has approached the Supreme Court seeking to intervene in the proceedings concerning the selection of the state’s Director General of Police (DGP). Nath has sought to be heard as an affected party, arguing that the outcome of the case could have a bearing on his prospects in the selection process.
The matter before the apex court concerns the procedure followed for selecting Odisha’s police chief, including the eligibility of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and compliance with the Supreme Court’s earlier directions governing the appointment of state DGPs.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on September 16. A report has also been submitted by the court-appointed Amicus Curiae in connection with the proceedings.
Nath’s intervention is expected to add another dimension to the case, which has so far centred on the state government’s selection process, the role of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and adherence to the guidelines laid down by the apex court for appointment of state police chiefs.
Meanwhile, Nath’s name has separately figured in the CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of police sub-inspectors in Odisha. The CBI has written to the Odisha Home Department regarding the possibility of examining Nath in connection with the case. He was serving as chairman of the Odisha Police Recruitment Board during the period under investigation.
His possible examination by the investigating agency would be aimed at obtaining information about the recruitment process and decisions taken by the board. The possibility of such examination, however, does not by itself establish any wrongdoing or criminal liability against Nath.
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