High Court allows Roy to continue as DGP till Nov 28

Mumbai, Nov 26 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today allowed A N Roy to continue as the Maharashtra Director General of Police till November 28, after hearing the arguments on a petition challenging his appointment.

Director General of Home Guards and Civil Defence S Chakravarthy, while arguing against the order of the state government to appoint Mr Roy as the state police chief, told the court that the state government had violated the norms laid down by the apex court during the appointment.

Making a detailed submission before a division bench, comprising of Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice S A Bobde, Mr Chakarvarthy said the appoinment was illegal and needs to be set aside.

Earlier, advocates appearing on behalf of Mr Roy, denied the allegations made by Mr Chakravarthy that Mr Roy's appointment was 'inappropriate' and contended that Mr Roy was appointed in accordance with the law and on basis of merit.

Mr Roy's appointment as DGP had come under cloud, when Mr Chakravarthy moved the Central Administrative Tribunal, challenging the state's decision to appoint him overlooking three other officials, including Mr Chakravarthy, who were senior to him.

Upholding Mr Chakravarthy's contention, the CAT on October 8 had set aside Mr Roy's appointment as 'illegal' and observed that the state was bound to consider the three other contenders.

Soon afterwards, the CAT order was challenged in the Bombay High Court by Mr Roy and the state government.

The arguments in the case will continue on November 28.

UNI AAA/GS SR PD HT1937