Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has begun the process of selecting the next Director General of Police (DGP) for the state, as the incumbent DGP (Law and Order), Shankar Jiwal, is set to retire on August 31, 2025. Jiwal, a 1990-batch IPS officer who took charge in July 2021, has had a distinguished career spanning key roles such as Salem SP, Madurai SP, Trichy Police Commissioner, and ADGP of the Special Task Force. With his tenure coming to an end, the state Home Ministry has shortlisted eight senior IPS officers for consideration.
The selection process involves multiple stages. The Tamil Nadu government will forward the list of eight officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which will then narrow it down to three candidates. Chief Minister MK Stalin will make the final appointment from this shortlist. Among the frontrunners are Seema Agarwal and Sandeep Roy Rathore, both of whom meet the stringent eligibility criteria introduced for DGP appointments.
Strict Eligibility Norms Shape Selection Process
According to the latest guidelines, only IPS officers with at least 30 years of service experience are eligible for the DGP post. Additionally, candidates must have served for a minimum of six months in central agencies such as the CBI, NIA, or Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), handling critical portfolios like crimes against women, economic offenses, or cybercrime. The selected officer must also have a clean legal record, with no pending court cases against them.
Seema Agarwal, if chosen, would become only the second woman to hold the DGP position in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the state’s emphasis on women’s safety and gender representation in top administrative roles. Meanwhile, Sandeep Roy Rathore, a 1992-batch IPS officer and former Chennai Police Commissioner, is considered a strong contender due to his extensive field experience, including his role in cracking the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts case.
Political Significance Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
The appointment assumes heightened importance with the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for 2026. Maintaining law and order during the election season will be a critical responsibility for the new DGP. Reports suggest that Chief Minister Stalin is keen on appointing a trusted and experienced officer who can ensure smooth electoral proceedings.
While there were initial speculations about a possible extension for Shankar Jiwal, given the approaching elections, the government appears inclined toward a fresh appointment. The final decision will follow consultations between the Union Home Ministry, UPSC, and state officials, with an announcement expected soon.
As the selection process unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Tamil Nadu will see its second woman DGP or opt for an officer with a proven track record in high-profile cases. The decision will not only shape the state’s policing strategy but also influence the political landscape in the run-up to the 2026 polls.