The proposed law seeks to create a unified legal framework for personnel management across the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal. At present, each force operates under its own Act, leading to variations in recruitment, promotion, and service conditions.
With nearly 10 lakh personnel and tens of thousands of vacancies across ranks, the CAPFs form the backbone of India’s internal security architecture. The proposed legislation is expected to have far-reaching implications for their structure, leadership, and functioning.
According to the Bill’s stated objectives, the legislation aims to streamline rules governing recruitment, deputation, promotions, and service conditions of Group A General Duty officers and other personnel. The government has argued that the absence of a common legal framework has resulted in fragmented regulations and frequent litigation, affecting administrative efficiency.
The Bill also seeks to empower the Centre to frame rules—overriding other laws or court orders if necessary—on how officers are recruited, promoted, or deputed across CAPFs.
A key provision in the proposed law formalises the role of Indian Police Service officers in CAPFs. It provides that:
Around 50 per cent of Inspector General (IG) posts will be filled through deputation from the Indian Police Service. Also, at least 67 per cent of Additional Director General (ADG) posts will be held by deputed IPS officers, while senior-most ranks, including Special Director General and Director General, will be filled entirely through deputation.
The government has defended this arrangement, stating that IPS officers have historically played a crucial role in maintaining coordination between the Centre and states, especially in internal security and border management operations.
The move comes in the backdrop of a key ruling by the Supreme Court of India, which in May 2025 directed the Centre to carry out a long-pending cadre review of CAPFs and gradually reduce IPS deputation in higher ranks. The court reiterated this stance in October 2025 while dismissing the government’s review petition.
The judgment had also recognised CAPF officers as part of an organised Group A service and flagged concerns over stagnation in promotions due to lateral entry of IPS officers.
The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from sections of retired CAPF officers, who argue that it could dilute the Supreme Court’s directives.
A group of former senior officers has approached the apex court with a contempt petition against Home Secretary Govind Mohan, alleging non-compliance with the court’s orders. They have also called for the Bill to be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for wider consultation.
At a recent conference, retired officers including HR Singh and S K Sood expressed concern that the law may adversely impact career progression within the forces. They pointed to long-standing issues such as delayed promotions, limited leadership opportunities for cadre officers, and lack of parity with other services.
Former officers warned that any changes to command structure or service conditions could have wider implications for morale and operational effectiveness. They argued that personnel serving in high-risk environments require clear career pathways and institutional support.
Some also raised concerns about the continued dominance of deputed officers in senior roles, suggesting that greater representation of internal cadre officers would lead to more grounded decision-making.
The Centre, however, maintains that maintaining IPS deputation is essential for preserving the character of CAPFs as central forces operating in coordination with states. It has emphasised that the forces play a critical role in internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and border protection.
Officials say the new law is intended to bring clarity, reduce disputes, and align administrative practices with evolving operational requirements.
Published on March 22, 2026