West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta Gets Second Six-Month Extension, To Continue Till April 2027

The Centre has granted West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta another six-month extension in service, keeping the 1992-batch IPS officer at the helm of the state police beyond his scheduled retirement.

The extension, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will allow Gupta to continue in office until April 30, 2027. The decision was taken on the recommendation of the Union Home Ministry and has been made in relaxation of the normal retirement provisions for All India Services officers.

Gupta, a West Bengal-cadre IPS officer, was appointed DGP and Inspector General of Police on March 16, 2026, ahead of the state's Assembly elections. He was originally due to retire on April 30 after attaining the age of 60.

His tenure was first extended by six months earlier this year, taking his service beyond his retirement date and up to October 31, 2026. The latest decision provides him with a second extension, beginning after the expiry of the current term.

The Personnel Ministry, in its order, said the extension was granted "in public interest". It has been approved under Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, which ordinarily requires an officer to retire from the afternoon of the last day of the month in which he turns 60.

The latest extension means Gupta will remain responsible for leading the West Bengal Police for several more months, giving continuity to the state's top police leadership at a time when policing and law-and-order issues remain closely watched.

The decision also underlines the significance of the DGP's position in West Bengal, where the police chief oversees one of the country's largest state police forces and plays a key role in maintaining law and order.

With the Centre approving the extension specifically as a relaxation of the retirement rules, Gupta's continuation is now formally secured until the end of April next year.