The Supreme Court has ordered a cadre review in all Central Armed Police Forces within six months. It emphasized that stagnation in promotions and posts can negatively impact the morale of the forces and must be addressed promptly.
The Supreme Court has mandated a cadre review for all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the ITBP, BSF, CRPF, CISF, and SSB, to be completed within six months. This review, initially scheduled for 2021, has faced delays.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed the Department of Personnel and Training to make an appropriate decision within three months after receiving the action taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the cadre review and the existing service and recruitment rules.
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This directive arose from a series of petitions requesting Non-Functional Financial Upgradation, cadre review and restructuring, as well as amendments to recruitment rules to eliminate IPS deputation.
The court emphasized that the role of CAPFs is vital for securing the country’s borders and fulfilling internal security responsibilities. It also highlighted various issues related to the deployment of CAPFs, such as coordinating with state governments and local police forces.
The court’s directive followed a series of petitions seeking Non-Functional Financial Upgradation, cadre review and restructuring, and amendments to recruitment rules to eliminate IPS deputation.
The bench stated,
“Keeping in mind the twin objectives of service mobility of the cadre officers of CF, …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 CFs up to the level of Senior Administrative Grade should be progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years. This will bring in a sense of participation of the cadre officers belonging to the CFs in the decision-making process within the administrative framework of the CFs thereby removing the long-standing grievances of the cadre officers,”
The court acknowledged the essential role of CFs in securing the country’s borders and fulfilling internal security duties.
It noted various challenges related to the deployment of CFs, including the need for coordination with state governments and local police forces.
The court pointed out that the Centre believes the presence of IPS officers in each CF is crucial for maintaining the distinct character of each central armed force.
“This is a policy decision. Of course, individual officers belonging to the IPS or the association of IPS officers cannot have a say as to how much the deputation quota should be and how long the deputation should continue. They are there on deputation by virtue of the policy decision of the central government manifest through the service rules/recruitment rules of the CFs.”
However, the bench emphasized the grievances expressed by CF officers.
It said,
“Their dedicated service upholding the security integrity and sovereignty of the nation while safeguarding our borders and maintaining internal security within the country cannot be ignored or overlooked,”
Recognizing that CF officers operate under demanding conditions, the court mentioned their concerns about lateral entry into higher grades, which hampers their chances for timely promotion.
The bench concluded,
“Consequently, there is a great deal of stagnation. Such stagnation can adversely impact the morale of the forces. This also needs to be factored in while considering review of such policy decision,”