In News:

The Union Government has notified a Single Window System (SWS) to streamline the appointment of State Directors General of Police (DGPs)/Heads of Police Force (HoPFs). This move seeks to ensure transparency, uniformity, and compliance with Supreme Court directives inPrakash Singh vs Union of India (2006) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines.

Key Features of the SWS

• Standardization: Provides a checklist and uniform formats for States to submit proposals.
• Eligibility Certification: A Secretary-rank officer must certify that officers proposed for empanelment fulfill criteria, including a minimum of 6 months residual service.
• Timely Submission: States are mandated to send proposals at least 3 months before the anticipated vacancy of the DGP/HoPF.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• State Subject: Police is a State subject under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
• Superintendence: As per Section 3 of the Police Act, 1861, the superintendence of police lies with the State Government.
• District Level: A dual control system exists—authority is shared between the District Magistrate (executive) and the Superintendent of Police (police administration).
• State Police Leadership: State police forces are generally headed by officers of the DGP rank.