New Delhi, June 24 -- The Central government on Wednesday granted a nine-month extension in service to Special Protection Group (SPG) Director Alok Sharma till March 2027.

The extension will be effective from July 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Sharma, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, was originally scheduled to retire on June 30, 2026.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took the decision and approved the extension in service of Sharma in relaxation of Fundamental Rule 56 (d) and the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefit) Rules, 1958 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel reads....