Delhi Police Commissioner gets a month’s extension; Chidambaram terms it ‘incomprehensible’

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By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Updated: January 31, 2020 1:54:13 pm

Amulya Patnaik was appointed as the Delhi Police Commissioner in January 2017. (Express photo: Renuka Puri)

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday notified that the service of Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik has been extended by a month evoking sharp criticism from Congress leader P Chidambaram, who termed the extension “incomprehensible”.

The order came a day after the Election Commission of India approved Patnaik’s extension sought by the ministry in view of the Assembly elections in the national capital.

The Home Ministry in its order said, “…approval of the competent authority is hereby conveyed for extension in service of Shri Amulya Kumar Patnaik, IPS (AGMUT: 1985) for a period of one month beyond his date of superannuation (i.e. 31.01.2020) in relaxation of Rule 16(1) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits)Rules, 1958, in public interest.”

Chidambaram, however, condemned the decision saying, “The Police Commissioner of Delhi gets an extension on the day there is a shooting in the presence of a substantial police force. Incomprehensible and reprehensible.”