New Delhi: In a significant judgment aimed at reforming the structure and boosting morale within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Supreme Court on Friday directed the long-pending cadre review of all CAPFs – including the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB – to be completed within six months.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that the cadre review, originally due in 2021, must now be expedited, given the critical role of CAPFs in maintaining border and internal security.
Key Directions from the Supreme Court
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) must take a decision within three months of receiving the action taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The bench recommended that the number of posts reserved for IPS officers on deputation to CAPFs – up to the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) – should be progressively reduced within two years, ensuring more promotional opportunities for cadre officers.
The Court stressed the need for balancing operational requirements with the need to address career stagnation among CAPF officers.
Concerns Addressed
The ruling comes in response to a series of petitions demanding-
- Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU)
- Cadre restructuring
- Amendment of recruitment rules to reduce IPS deputation and promote cadre officers.
While acknowledging the Central Government’s policy stance that IPS officers bring a unique administrative perspective to CAPFs, the Court clarified that individual IPS officers or their associations cannot dictate the scale or duration of such deputations.
The Court also noted the “long-standing grievance” of CAPF officers who feel bypassed in decision-making and denied fair promotional pathways, leading to morale issues and stagnation in higher ranks.
“Their dedicated service upholding the security, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation while safeguarding our borders and maintaining internal security cannot be ignored or overlooked,” the bench remarked.
A Balancing Act Ahead
The Court’s directive is seen as a move toward empowering CAPF cadre officers and ensuring their career mobility while preserving the operational efficiency of the forces. It called on the Centre to strike a balance that reflects the functional needs of the forces and the legitimate aspirations of their own officers.
This landmark judgment is expected to bring long-awaited reforms to India’s paramilitary structure, improving internal governance and boosting the morale of thousands of officers serving under challenging conditions.
