AP Police Bill passed; sets two-year fixed term for DGP

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly today passed the AP Police (Reforms) Bill, 2014, setting a fixed term of two years for the post of Director General of Police (Head of Police Force) of the state.
The legislation, enacted to "comply with the directions of the Supreme Court judgement in the Prakash Singh case regarding police reforms," replaces an ordinance issued on July 20 for giving a fixed tenure to the DGP (HoPF).
"The Supreme Court gave directions to the Central and the State government for implementing certain reforms in police and one of the directions relates to selection and minimum tenure of the DGP.

"It has therefore been decided to provide the same by way of a legislation," Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala China Rajappa, who also holds the Home portfolio, said, explaining the objects and reasons of the Bill, on behalf of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The DGP (HoPF) shall be selected by the state government from amongst five senior-most police officers of the department who have been empanelled for promotion to that rank by the UPSC on the basis of their "length of service, very good record and range of experience" for heading the police force, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
"Once he has been appointed for the post, he should have a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of the date of retirement.

The DGP, however, can be relieved of his responsibilities by the state government in consultation with the State Security Commission consequent upon any action taken against him under relevant rules or following his conviction in a court of law in a criminal offence or case of corruption or if he is otherwise incapacitated.

Hence, it is proposed to have a panel of five senior-most officers in the panel to be prepared by UPSC.
Accordingly, an ordinance was promulgated on July 20 to give effect to the decision immediately," the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Subsequently, he added, the government decided to appoint the DGP (HoPF) from amongst three senior-most IPS officers instead of five.