Allahabad HC asks UP govt to file letters for extension to DGP

The Allahabad High Court today directed Uttar Pradesh government to file two letters seeking extension of service to DGP A K Jain on April 16 on a PIL challenging extension given to him by the central government on the request of the state.
A division bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Ritu Raj Awasthi passed the order on a PIL filed by a journalist J N Shukla seeking a direction to the state government to withdraw its order, if any, whereby the term of Jain as DGP has been extended.
The petitioner alleged that Jain's extension in such a high post was bad in eyes of law as an inquiry into a criminal case against him and others has been completed and sanction for prosecution sought from the state government by state CB-CID.

On behalf of the state government, Additional Advocate General Bulbul Godiyal, along with Chief Standing Counsel I P Singh, contended that since some major works were being done in police department under Jain's supervision and assembly bypolls were scheduled to be held, hence his six-month extension was sought and three months were granted by the Centre as per relevant rules.
Godiyal told the court that she has received instructions in this matter as per earlier orders of the court.
She submitted that two letters were sent by the state Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home) to the Union Home Secretary for extending the term of the DGP citing the aforesaid reasons.

The court, while permitting the petitioner to file a supplementary affidavit, if he so desires, has sought letters of the state government, seeking permission for extension of service of the DGP on short counter affidavit.
It fixed April 16 as the next date of hearing the matter.