In a major legal challenge with far-reaching implications for India’s paramilitary leadership structure, more than 3,000 serving Group A officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have approached the Supreme Court against the Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026.
The petitioners, including gallantry award recipients and women officers, have challenged key provisions of the newly enacted law, arguing that it undermines an earlier Supreme Court judgment aimed at increasing promotional opportunities for CAPF cadre officers.
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Officers Challenge Constitutional Validity of Act
The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026, was passed by Parliament on April 2 and notified on April 9.
The petition seeks to have Sections 3 and 4 of the Act declared unconstitutional, contending that they effectively nullify the Supreme Court’s May 2025 judgment in Sanjay Prakash vs Union of India.
According to the petitioners, the legislation limits the career progression of CAPF officers by reserving a significant share of senior leadership positions for officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS) on deputation.
Law Reserves Senior Posts for IPS Officers
Under the new Act:
- 50 per cent of Inspector General (IG) posts must be filled by IPS officers on deputation.
- At least 67 per cent of Additional Director General (ADG) posts are reserved for IPS officers.
- All Special Director General (SDG) and Director General (DG) posts are to be occupied by IPS officers on deputation.
The Act also omits the earlier practice of reserving 50 per cent of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) posts for Group A CAPF officers, potentially allowing a greater number of IPS officers to occupy those positions.
Petitioners Seek Restoration of Supreme Court Ruling
The officers have urged the Supreme Court to direct implementation of its May 23, 2025 judgment, which recognised Group A Executive Cadre officers of CAPFs as Organised Group A Services.
In that landmark verdict, the Court had directed the government to progressively reduce IPS deputation in CAPFs up to the rank of Inspector General over two years and undertake a time-bound review of cadre and service rules within six months.
The petition also seeks a declaration that Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) posts across CAPFs should be filled from among eligible executive cadre officers of the respective forces rather than exclusively through IPS deputation.
Government Brought Law After Review Petition Failed
The Ministry of Home Affairs had challenged the Supreme Court’s 2025 judgment through a review petition.
However, the apex court dismissed the review plea in October 2025, making the earlier judgment final.
Subsequently, after contempt petitions were filed alleging non-compliance, the government introduced the CAPF (General Administration) Bill in Parliament, which was later enacted as law.
Case Could Shape Future of CAPF Leadership
The Supreme Court’s decision on the fresh challenge could have significant implications for career progression within the country’s five Central Armed Police Forces—Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
The outcome is expected to influence the long-standing debate over the balance between IPS deputation and in-service promotions for CAPF officers, an issue that has remained contentious for years.
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