New Delhi: The Government of India has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court seeking to reconsider its May 2025 judgment directing the progressive reduction of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer deputations in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The matter was confirmed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
SC Ruling Called for Deputation Cut, OGAS Status for CAPFs
Responding to a question from Congress MP Deepender Hooda, the minister stated that the issue is currently sub-judice and pending adjudication before the Supreme Court.
The May 23 judgment by a bench comprising Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan had ruled that the number of IPS officers on deputation to CAPFs in ranks up to Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) and Inspector General should be “progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years.” The same verdict had also favoured granting Organized Group A Services (OGAS) status to the CAPFs.
The court’s direction was seen as a step toward greater career advancement opportunities for CAPF cadre officers and reduced dependency on IPS deputations.
Govt Continues IPS Appointments Despite Ruling
Despite the apex court’s order, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has continued to appoint IPS officers to senior positions within the CAPFs. According to parliamentary data, at least eight IPS officers have been appointed to Commandant and Inspector General-level roles in CAPFs since the ruling.
Justice A.S. Oka, who co-authored the ruling, has since retired, and the case is now part of ongoing judicial review proceedings.
Border Security Force’s Status and OPS Also Under Review
In a related query, Hooda asked whether the government considered the Border Security Force (BSF) a civilian force despite its combat duties, and whether the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would be restored for BSF personnel.
Rai clarified that the BSF is one of the CAPFs entrusted with border security, and said the issue is also under judicial consideration, without commenting further on the pension scheme demand.
Background: Ongoing Turf War Between IPS and CAPFs
The debate over deputation stems from long-standing friction between IPS and CAPF cadre officers. CAPF personnel have argued that career stagnation and lack of promotion avenues result from IPS officers occupying top posts through lateral entry.
The Supreme Court’s judgment was hailed by CAPF associations and veterans as a landmark in recognising service parity, while critics within the IPS cadre flagged concerns over administrative efficiency and leadership continuity.
