In a landmark directive aimed at addressing long-standing grievances of cadre officers within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Supreme Court has ordered that a cadre review be completed within six months across all CAPFs, including the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB. The review was originally due in 2021 but had faced significant delays.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan also instructed 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. The report is expected to include proposals for the cadre review as well as amendments to existing service and recruitment rules.
The court was hearing multiple petitions demanding Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), structural reforms, and a reduction in the practice of deputing IPS officers to senior posts in CAPFs. Petitioners argued that this practice hampers career progression and decision-making authority of CAPF cadre officers.
The bench observed that while the government considers IPS officers essential for maintaining the operational character of CAPFs, there must be a phased reduction in deputation posts up to the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level over the next two years. This, the court said, would foster internal leadership and allow cadre officers a more prominent role in decision-making within their forces.
The Supreme Court emphasized the vital role played by CAPFs in securing India’s borders and maintaining internal security, often under challenging conditions. The judgment noted that cadre officers have shown unwavering dedication and deserve fair service mobility and recognition.
The court acknowledged the government’s prerogative to frame deputation policies but underlined that IPS officers or their associations should not influence the extent or duration of deputation quotas. It stressed that the operational needs of CAPFs must be balanced with the career aspirations and morale of the cadre officers.
The judgment is expected to catalyze reforms in the personnel management of India’s paramilitary forces and address systemic stagnation that has plagued thousands of CAPF officers for decades.
