In a significant development, the Union government has filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s May 23 judgment that directed a progressive reduction in the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The ruling, delivered by a Bench of Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, mandated that IPS deputation posts up to the rank of Inspector General (in the Senior Administrative Grade) be reduced over a period of time — with a suggested outer limit of two years. The order was seen as a major victory for Group A officers of the CAPFs, who had been demanding a fair promotional structure within their cadre.
Justice A.S. Oka has since demitted office.
According to sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) submitted the review petition on July 11.
The judgment had recognised Group A officers of CAPFs as part of “Organised Services” for all purposes — affirming their demand for internal promotional avenues and reduced IPS interference in leadership roles.
The legal battle began in 2015 when Group A CAPF officers petitioned the Supreme Court seeking Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), cadre restructuring, changes to recruitment rules, and a halt to IPS deputations that blocked internal promotions.
Currently, IPS officers occupy 20% of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) posts and 50% of Inspector General (IG) posts in CAPFs. If implemented, the May 23 ruling would significantly shift the power balance, limiting IPS dominance in leadership roles within the paramilitary forces.
The Supreme Court’s response to the review petition will now determine whether the May 23 ruling stands, or if the traditional deputation system continues.
Also Read: SC orders cadre review in CAPFs within 6 months
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