Over 3,000 serving CAPF officers move Supreme Court against CAPF Act
Over 3,000 CAPF officers have challenged the new CAPF Act in the Supreme Court, arguing it unfairly favors IPS officers for leadership roles. The legislation effectively overrides a previous court ruling that sought to increase promotion opportunities for cadre officers.
Why it matters
This legal battle highlights a significant internal conflict regarding career progression and institutional hierarchy within India's paramilitary forces.
More than 3,000 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Group A cadre officers have moved the Supreme Court to challenge the Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026. The petitioners include gallantry award winners and women officers.
The Act, passed by the Parliament on April 2 and notified on April 9, will make it harder for CAPF cadre officers to be promoted through the ranks to leadership positions. The legislation was enacted to effectively negate a May 2025 Supreme Court ruling that directed the exact opposite action: to reduce Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the CAPF leadership and make it easier for CAPF officers to reach top positions.
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