Reduce IPS postings at CAPFs to boost morale of cadre officers:SC

In a landmark order, the Supreme Court has directed that the deputation of IPS officers up to the inspector general rank in the CAPFs should be "progressively reduced" over two years to give more opportunities to cadre officers. Pronouncing the order on May 23, a bench of Justice Abhay S Oka (since retired) and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that delayed promotions of cadre officers in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) can "adversely" impact morale. The much-delayed cadre review of these CAPFs, stayed by the top court in 2020, should be carried out in six months, the Supreme Court bench also said while disposing of multiple grievance petitions filed by officers of these organisations.
The Apex Court also  mandated a comprehensive cadre review of all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) — including the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB — to be completed within 6 months. This directive addresses long-standing concerns over promotion stagnation and the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to senior positions within these forces. The bench emphasized the necessity of this review, originally scheduled for 2021 but delayed, to enhance the operational efficiency and morale of CAPF personnel. The court instructed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to make appropriate decisions within three months following the receipt of an action taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the cadre review and existing service and recruitment rules.The court’s decision stems from a series of petitions seeking Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), cadre restructuring, and amendments to recruitment rules aimed at reducing IPS deputation. Petitioners argued that the current system hampers career progression for CAPF officers and affects their participation in decision-making processes.