NationalThursday, 13 August 2026·The Hindu - National
Odisha DGP appointment controversy highlights Prakash Singh norms and UPSC panel procedure
The Odisha DGP appointment process has triggered controversy over the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh guidelines and the UPSC panel of senior IPS officers.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, Odisha’s DGP appointment process came under scrutiny as the state prepared to replace Y. B. Khurania, who was appointed on August 16, 2024 and is due to retire on August 16, 2026.
Key specifics
- The Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh judgment requires selection from a panel of 3 senior-most IPS officers.
- Odisha first sent 3 names to the UPSC: Sudhanshu Sarangi (1990 batch), Susanta Kumar Nath (1993 batch) and R.P. Koche (1993 batch).
- The state later expanded the list from 3 to 11 officers by adding 8 more IPS officers from the 1994 to 1996 batches.
- On August 10, 2026, Sanjeeb Kumar Panda and Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa were promoted to DG of Police grade.
- The PIL alleges violation of the Prakash Singh procedure in the appointment of the DGP.
Exam lens
TNPSC polity question type: Supreme Court guideline-based MCQ, Prakash Singh case, UPSC panel of 3 officers, Odisha DGP appointment, August 2026 retirement and promotion dates.