"Compelling Need": Centre Defends Rakesh Asthana As Delhi Police Chief

Rakesh Asthana's appointment as Delhi Police chief in July, four days before his service was extended, has been challenged by the NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL).

Strongly defending the appointment of Rakesh Asthana has Delhi Police Commissioner, the Centre today told the Supreme Court there was a "compelling need" to have someone like him in the post and his term was extended "in public interest".

Rakesh Asthana's appointment as Delhi Police chief in July, four days before his service was extended, has been challenged by the NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL).

There was nothing illegal in the appointment, the government said, urging the Supreme Court to scrap the petition.

There was a "compelling need" to have someone like Rakesh Asthana to head the Delhi police force, the Centre said in a response to the Supreme Court, adding that the IPS officer was given inter-cadre deputation and extension of service "in public interest"