DMK files plea in Madras HC against two DGPs

, Apr 8: DMK today filed a petition in

seeking a direction to EC not to permit DGP (Law and Order) K Ramanujam continue as the administrative head of the police force till the conclusion of poll process when Anoop Jaiswal has been specially appointed as DGP (Elections).

On Saturday, Election Commission of India had directed the appointment of Jaiswal as DGP (Elections) in a newly created post, following DMK's objection against DGP (Law and Order) K Ramanujam continuing in the post following extension.

The DMK represented by its organising secretary, TKS Elangovan, sitting MP of North Chennai, in his petition, contended that the order of relieving Ramanujam from poll related duty comes in the wake of the demand from the party.

As per the above order even though he keeps himself away from poll related work, he will continue as administrative head of the police force "which will lead to anomalous situation, thereby hindering a free and fair poll."

Alleging that having two DGPs will create confusion in the minds of the police force, Elangovan said "there will be ambiguity as to whose orders should the police force obey and will create operational difficulties and will not provide desired effect sought to be achieved by the ECI."

Hence he sought a direction to the ECI not to permit Ramanujam to hold the post as administrative head till the election process was completed.

In his petition, he said his party was aware of the order of EC to all state governments and union territories not to assign poll duty to police officers who are serving extended terms in office after their superannuation. In the above aspect, he said they had sent representations to ECI to transfer Ramanujam from the post of DGP and post him in any other state to ensure free and fair elections in Tamil Nadu.

He further said that on their representation, the ECI appointed Jaiswal as DGP to oversee poll work in the state.

PTI