In a significant ruling aimed at addressing long-standing service grievances within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre to complete the cadre review — pending since 2021 — in all CAPFs including the ITBP, BSF, CRPF, CISF, and SSB, within six months.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan issued the directive while hearing a batch of petitions filed by CAPF cadre officers demanding Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), cadre restructuring, and amendments in recruitment rules to reduce lateral induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.
Observing that prolonged stagnation among CAPF officers was leading to frustration and morale issues, the court underlined the urgent need for systemic reforms. It directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to take an appropriate decision within three months of receiving the action-taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding cadre and recruitment rule reviews.
“Keeping in mind the twin objectives of service mobility of the cadre officers of CAPF, and removing stagnation on the one hand, and the operational/functional requirement of the forces on the other hand, we are of the view that the number of posts earmarked for deputation in the cadres of the CAPFs up to the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) should be progressively reduced… within an outer limit of two years,” the bench stated.
The court emphasized that reducing IPS deputation would enhance participation of CAPF cadre officers in internal decision-making, thus addressing a major grievance of limited promotional avenues.
While acknowledging the Centre’s stance that the presence of IPS officers helps maintain the distinct character of each CAPF, the court clarified that “individual IPS officers or their association cannot have a say” in determining the quantum or duration of such deputation, which is purely a matter of policy.
Recognizing the vital role of CAPFs in safeguarding national borders and maintaining internal security, the bench said: “Their dedicated service upholding the security, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation… cannot be ignored or overlooked.”
The court also flagged the operational challenges CAPFs face, including coordination with state governments and police forces, and urged policymakers to account for the adverse impact of promotion stagnation on the morale of officers.
