The Supreme Court has dismissed the Centre’s plea seeking a review of its earlier order to reduce IPS deputation in CAPFs. The ruling mandates a cadre review within six months, marking a major win for CAPF officers.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has declined to review its earlier order directing the Central Government to reduce the number of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers serving on deputation in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and to complete a cadre review within six months.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed the Centre’s review petition, saying it found no reason to interfere with the court’s previous judgment delivered on May 23, 2025.
“We have carefully gone through the contents of the review petition and are satisfied that no case for review of the judgment is made out,”
the bench observed in its order dated October 28.
The court also rejected the Centre’s request for an open-court hearing, considering the plea in chambers instead.
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Background
On May 23, a two-judge bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka (since retired) and Ujjal Bhuyan had asked the government to carry out a comprehensive cadre review in all CAPFs — including the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, a process that was due since 2021.
The court also directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to take decisions within three months after receiving the action-taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the review and the amendment of recruitment rules.
The judgment came after several petitions filed by CAPF cadre officers complained about career stagnation caused by IPS officers occupying key leadership positions on deputation.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court acknowledged the government’s view that IPS officers help maintain the structure and coordination of the forces. However, it also recognized the grievances of CAPF officers, who said their promotion opportunities were limited due to the large number of IPS officers holding senior posts.
“The number of posts earmarked for deputation in CAPFs up to the Senior Administrative Grade should be progressively reduced within an outer limit of two years,”
the earlier bench had directed.
According to the court, giving CAPF officers more leadership roles would not only improve morale but also ensure greater participation in decision-making within their own organizations.
The Supreme Court underlined the important role played by CAPFs in maintaining border security and internal stability. It was observed that these forces operate in demanding and often difficult conditions, and their concerns about stagnant career growth deserved serious attention.
The judgment noted that long delays in promotions could affect motivation and efficiency, and that a balance must be struck between the Centre’s policy goals and the career interests of CAPF personnel.
