A 1982-batch IPS officer, Sharma, the Director General of Delhi Home Guardsm was, earlier in the day, given the additional charge of DG (Prisons) by the city government.
An order issued by an Additional Secretary of Delhi government's Home Department said, "DG (Home Guards) J K Sharma, IPS (AGMU 1982), will hold additional charge of Director General (Prisons) till further orders."
However, "the Lt Governor has declared that the government's order to appoint Sharma as the DG of Tihar Jail is 'non est' (does not exist)," a source in the LG Office said.
Sharma has served Delhi in different posts and was investigated by central agencies over graft charges.
The officer, after taking over the new post, visited the jail and held a meeting with senior prison officials.