Claims highest post of law enforcing agency is compromised
Dimapur, December 21 (MExN): The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) on Wednesday submitted a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India stating, among others, that free and fair election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in March 2023 would not come to fruition as the “highest post of the law enforcing agency itself is compromised” in the state.
In the representation dated December 21, NLSF President T Tohuka Achumi and General Secretary N Lemchimong drew attention to the ‘anomaly’ in the appointment of the incumbent Director General of Police (DGP) of Nagaland, despite the ‘presence of qualified IPS officers from Nagaland Cadre.’ The incumbent DGP is on deputation from the Chhattisgarh cadre and was to retire on superannuation on August 31, 2022 but his service was extended for six more months.
The matter was taken to the Supreme Court of India by the NLSF following which the apex court issued a series of orders including the latest on December 9, directing the UPSC to take a final decision on or before December 19, 2022.
Against this backdrop, the NLSF stated that the law enforcing agency viz., the Police Department implements the guidelines/instructions issued by the Chief Election Commission of India under Article 324 for a free and fair election. However, the same cannot be effectuated in the state when the highest post of the law enforcing agency itself is compromised, it asserted.
“The illegality being perpetuated at the highest level is setting a very bad precedent,” the NLSF went on to state while pointing out that “Appointment at the whims and caprices of the State Government without following due procedures are dangerous practices which will embolden further anomalies.”
Stating that it is the responsibility of the State Government to make sure that law and order prevails and succeeds over irregularities and illegalities, the NLSF stated that it was ‘extremely disappointed’ over the tussle for the post of Chief of Police, especially with the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election around the corner.
“The welfare of the citizens of the State of Nagaland cannot be misplaced and manned for the benefit of the few. It is the endeavour of the NLSF that a competent and qualified person from Nagaland Cadre should hold the post of DGP and ensure that free and fair election takes place in the State of Nagaland,” it further stated.
The present issue concerning Nagaland DGP appointment largely affects the interest of the Election Commission of India, it said while imploring the Commission to “administer the sanctity of the Constitution of India and make sure that the highest post of law enforcing agency in the State of Nagaland is headed by a competent and qualified IPS officer from the cadre of Nagaland in the forthcoming 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election.”
