The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that Tamil Nadu must have full representation on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) committee that will select the State's regular police chief. The court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, stressed that States must not lose their say in choosing police chiefs who keep law and order. The committee includes the UPSC Chairperson or nominee, the Union Home Secretary or nominee, the State Chief Secretary, the current Director-General of Police (DGP), and a nominee from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Tamil Nadu’s last regular DGP, Shankar Jiwal, retired on August 31, 2025. Since then, G. Venkataraman has served as acting DGP. However, Venkataraman is also competing for the permanent DGP post. Tamil Nadu asked UPSC to let the Additional Chief Secretary replace the DGP on the selection panel. UPSC refused, and in a September 2025 meeting, Venkataraman did not attend to avoid conflict, though the Chief Secretary was present. Tamil Nadu challenged UPSC’s decision before the Supreme Court. Senior advocate P. Wilson argued that denying the Additional Chief Secretary’s participation reduced Tamil Nadu’s rightful representation. The court agreed. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the DGP slot should not be left empty just because the acting DGP is a candidate. Tamil Nadu is entitled to two representatives: the Chief Secretary and a substitute for the acting DGP. The Bench allowed the State to nominate an officer senior to the DGP, such as the Additional Chief Secretary, to keep its full voice in the committee. The court noted, "The State’s power to represent in the selection of the DGP cannot be reduced by rejecting the request to have the Additional Chief Secretary/Home Department of this government as a Member in lieu of the Director-General of Police to participate in the empanelment committee meeting."