Supreme Court issues notice to government on pleas against CAPF Act

On August 4, 2026, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union Government on petitions filed by serving CAPF officers challenging the Act.

• In 2025, the Supreme Court directed the government to phase out IPS deputation in CAPFs up to the rank of Inspector General within two years.
• The Court also recognised Group A CAPF officers as an Organised Group A Service, ensuring structured promotion and career progression.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs’ review petition was dismissed in October 2025.
• Continued appointment of IPS officers to DIG and IG posts led retired CAPF officers to file a contempt petition.

Key Provisions

• The Act creates a common framework for recruitment, promotion, deputation and service conditions of Group A CAPF officers from Assistant Commandant to Director General.
• It empowers the Ministry of Home Affairs to frame rules overriding inconsistent laws, rules, court judgments and administrative orders.
• It seeks to maintain the distinct operational identity of CAPFs and align judicial directions with administrative requirements.
• It reserves 50% of IG posts, at least 67% of ADG posts and all Special DG and DG posts for IPS officers on deputation.

Major Criticisms

• Continued IPS deputation limits promotion opportunities for direct-entry CAPF officers.
• CAPF officers face long periods of career stagnation, with some Assistant Commandants waiting over 16 years for promotion.
• CAPF officers lead field and counter-insurgency operations, while IPS officers generally join at senior levels.
• Poor career prospects are linked to low morale, voluntary retirements and suicides.
• CAPF officers have not received adequate Non-Functional Upgradation benefits.
• They also face disadvantages in salary, allowances and career progression compared with other Group A services.
• Critics argue that the Act weakens judicial authority and reverses the Supreme Court’s earlier direction.

Government’s Stand

• IPS officers are necessary for coordination among CAPFs, State police forces and State governments.
• A common service framework will replace separate personnel rules governing different CAPFs.
• The Act is intended to strengthen internal security and improve Centre-State coordination.

The government should conduct regular and time-bound cadre reviews, ensure the full implementation of Organised Group A Service benefits for CAPF officers, and rationalise IPS deputation while increasing the representation of CAPF cadre officers in senior leadership positions. Joint training programmes for IPS and CAPF officers should also be introduced at police and CAPF academies.