The State government has told the Madras High Court that Director General of Police Letika Saran was selected to the post, “considering her service, competency, efficiency etc.”
“The selection and posting of Ms. Letika Saran as the DGP, Tamil Nadu, was made as per the government orders issued in pursuance to the directions of the Supreme Court,” Home Secretary K. Gnanadesikan stated in his response to a petition filed by R. Nataraj, DGP and Director, Fire and Rescue Services, challenging the appointment.
The Home Secretary said besides Mr. Nataraj, another IPS officer, N. Balachandran, who was also in the eligible list, was also considered. But, they were not selected. Another IPS officer, K. Vijayakumar, is on deputation with the Union government as Director, Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad.
Recalling the orders issued by the Home Department laying down the system for appointment of DGP in the wake of the Supreme Court orders in September 2006, Mr. Gnadesikan said this was scrupulously followed.
“As per the directions of the Supreme Court, DGP of the State is a selection post. As the DGP of the State is selected from among the DGPs, it is not a promotional post.”
Mr. Nataraj's contention was that in the seniority civil list, Ms. Saran was ranked seventh whereas he was ranked third.
