Rashmi Shukla, a 1988-batch IPS officer, has been reinstated as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra, just three weeks after being removed from the post by the Election Commission. The decision comes after the model code of conduct was lifted following the assembly elections.

Shukla’s reinstatement has sparked controversy, with the Congress party crying foul and alleging that the Election Commission had asked for her permanent removal from the post. The party claims that Shukla’s pro-BJP views and “doubtful integrity” made her unfit for the top police post in the state.

The Election Commission had initially removed Shukla from the post on November 4, following a complaint by MPCC president Nana Patole . However, the state government sent her on compulsory leave instead of removing her permanently, as directed by the Election Commission.

Shukla’s reinstatement has been justified by the state government as being in accordance with the directives of the chief minister. However, the Congress party has termed the decision as a “violation of the EC order”.

Shukla, whose retirement was due on June 30, was given a two-year extension in accordance with the guidelines prescribed in the Prakash Singh case .The case directed that the DGP should enjoy a fixed tenure of two years.