After it's sworn in, the new Gujarat government may be under pressure to select a fulltime DGP for the state police in line with the directive of the state HC. This job may not be difficult because the list of senior IPS officers is topped by Pramod Kumar (IPS:1983:GJ), Shivanand Jha (IPS:1983:GJ) and Tirthraj (IPS:1984:GJ). Last week, the HC, in response to Ex-IPS officer Rahul Sharma's PIL, ordered the state government to "initiate the process and make the necessary selection following the procedure" and appoint DGP on regular basis. The petitioner had submitted that appointment of regular DGP is in public interest, for he can ensure the neutrality of police force as well as deflect political interference from the force. It may be noted that the post of state DHP has been lying vacant since April 15, 2016, when P P Pandey was given the charge of the post. Later Geetha Johri was made DGP in-charge on 04 April 2017 and relinquished office without a farewell on her retirement because of the Election Code of Conduct. The charge was passed by default, according to protocol, to Mohan Jha (IPS:1985:GJ).