Karnataka Extends Police Chief Dr. M A Saleem’s Tenure Until August 2027
Extension Notification Issued
The Government of Karnataka announced on Thursday the extension of Dr. M A Saleem’s tenure as the Head of the Police Force (HoPF) until August 29, 2027, or until further orders, whichever occurs first. Dr. Saleem, an officer of the 1993 batch Indian Police Service (IPS), originally assumed the role of in-charge Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) for Karnataka on May 21, 2025.
His official appointment to the position was confirmed later on August 30, 2025, marking the beginning of his formal responsibilities as the state’s top police officer. The decision to extend his tenure has been made to align with the necessary requirement of ensuring he serves a minimum of two years in the position, providing stability and leadership within the police force.
Compliance with Supreme Court Mandate
Dr. Saleem’s extension is consistent with a judgment by the Supreme Court in 2006 concerning the case of Prakash Singh vs Union of India, which established a fixed minimum tenure of two years for state police chiefs. This ruling was implemented to protect senior police leadership from frequent transfers, ensuring consistency and continuity in law enforcement administration.
Karnataka had previously submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court in 2019-20, pledging to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Prakash Singh ruling. As a result, former police chiefs Neelmani N Raju and Praveen Sood completed their two-year tenures without requiring extensions before reaching retirement age.
Comparison with Previous Tenures
In contrast, Alok Mohan’s tenure as state police chief was extended by 22 days to fulfill the two-year term requirement, as he served from May 2023 to May 2025. Dr. Saleem’s extension is notably longer, with approximately 14 months added to his tenure. This reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court directive regarding police leadership stability.
Dr. Saleem’s continued service in this pivotal role underscores the state’s efforts to maintain an experienced and consistent leadership within its police force, which is essential for effective governance and law enforcement in Karnataka.
