“Centre’s Limited Options: No Action Initiated Against Kolkata CP on Governor’s Complaint”

The Centre has not taken any action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Indira Mukherjee despite receiving a complaint from West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose alleging misconduct and unbecoming behavior. The complaint was filed under the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, which state that the disciplinary authority for IPS officers serving under a state government is the state government itself.

According to the rules, the Centre can request the state government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against an IPS officer if a complaint is received. However, the state government can refuse to take action, denying any misconduct, or proceed with the proceedings, which may result in the officer’s exoneration. The Centre can also summon the officer for an explanation or recall them to the Centre, but requires the state’s permission or relief.

In the past, the Centre has sought disciplinary action against officers serving in West Bengal, including former Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay and former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. However, both officers were not harmed as the state government stood by them. Bandyopadhyay was never relieved by the West Bengal government after being recalled, and Kumar went on to become the Director-General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal.

Given this background, the Centre may be contemplating its limited options in taking action on the governor’s complaint against Goyal and Mukherjee. The Centre cannot initiate disciplinary proceedings unilaterally against IPS officers serving in a state, and must rely on the state government to take action. This highlights the importance of understanding the rules and regulations governing the All-India Services, including the IPS, and the Centre’s limited powers in taking action against officers serving in a state.

For students preparing for competitive exams, this news article highlights the importance of understanding the rules and regulations governing the All-India Services, including the IPS, and the Centre’s limited powers in taking action against officers serving in a state. It also demonstrates the need to analyze the background and context of a situation to understand the Centre’s options and limitations in taking action.

Historical Context:

The All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, were introduced to govern the conduct and discipline of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers serving under state governments. These rules were established to ensure accountability and maintain the integrity of the IPS officers. The rules provide a framework for handling complaints against IPS officers, including the process of investigation, inquiry, and disciplinary action.

The Centre’s limited options in taking action against IPS officers serving in a state are rooted in the constitutional framework of the Indian government. The Constitution of India divides powers between the Centre and the states, with the Centre having limited powers to intervene in state matters. The Centre can only request the state government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against an IPS officer, but the state government has the discretion to refuse or proceed with the proceedings.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The Centre has not taken any action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Indira Mukherjee despite receiving a complaint from West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose. • The complaint was filed under the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, which state that the disciplinary authority for IPS officers serving under a state government is the state government itself. • The Centre can request the state government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against an IPS officer, but the state government can refuse or proceed with the proceedings. • The Centre cannot initiate disciplinary proceedings unilaterally against IPS officers serving in a state and must rely on the state government to take action. • The Centre has sought disciplinary action against officers serving in West Bengal in the past, including former Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay and former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, but both officers were not harmed as the state government stood by them. • The Centre’s limited options in taking action against IPS officers serving in a state highlight the importance of understanding the rules and regulations governing the All-India Services, including the IPS, and the Centre’s limited powers in taking action. • The news article demonstrates the need to analyze the background and context of a situation to understand the Centre’s options and limitations in taking action.