Bengal DGP Appointment Crisis: UPSC Rejects Panel, Cites Delay; State to Move SC

• UPSC returned West Bengal's panel for DGP appointment, citing "abnormal procedural delay" and irregularities in submission.
• The state government submitted the panel over 1.5 years after the vacancy arose (Dec 2023), instead of the mandated 3 months prior.
• UPSC advised West Bengal to seek directions from the Supreme Court, based on the Attorney General's opinion against condoning the "excessive" delay.
• Incumbent DGP (In Charge), Rajeev Kumar's tenure ends Jan 31, creating a leadership vacuum ahead of state elections.
• IPS officer Rajesh Kumar moved CAT, alleging illegal exclusion from the panel due to the state's delayed and irregular process.

Why It Matters: West Bengal's DGP appointment is stalled due to UPSC rejecting the panel over severe procedural delays, forcing the state to approach the Supreme Court.