Sat Jul 12 15:42:05 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Union Government has filed a review petition with the Supreme Court against its May 23rd ruling that mandated a “progressive reduction” in the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The original ruling aimed to address the long-standing grievances of CAPF Group A officers who felt that IPS deputations were blocking their promotional pathways and affecting morale. The government’s petition argues that these deputations are necessary for operational readiness and Centre-State coordination. The CAPF officers had argued that stagnation due to the IPS officers filling senior positions was hurting morale. The case, initiated in 2015, could have significant implications for service rules and cadre review within the CAPFs.

**News Article:**

**Centre Challenges SC Ruling on IPS Deputation to CAPFs, Cites Operational Needs**

**New Delhi, July 12, 2025 (The Hindu)** – The Union Government has filed a review petition challenging a Supreme Court directive that seeks a “progressive reduction” in the number of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers deputed to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The move comes just weeks after the Court’s May 23rd ruling, which aimed to address concerns about promotion opportunities and morale among CAPF cadre officers.

The Supreme Court, in its original judgement, ordered that IPS deputation posts in the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) be progressively reduced over two years. The bench, headed by Justice A.S. Oka, sought to create a structured promotional pathway for Group A officers within the CAPFs.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) argues that the deputation of IPS officers is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the CAPFs and ensuring effective coordination between the central government and the states. Sources within the government confirmed the review petition was submitted on July 11th.

Despite the Supreme Court order, the MHA has reportedly continued to appoint IPS officers to senior positions within the CAPFs.

The initial petition to the Supreme Court was filed in 2015 by CAPF officers seeking Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), cadre review, restructuring, and changes to recruitment rules that prioritize internal promotions over IPS deputation. Currently, 20% of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) posts and 50% of Inspector General (IG) posts in CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers.

A senior CAPF official has voiced concerns that the review petition could have far-reaching consequences, impacting service rules and cadre reviews across all CAPFs. “The judgement was arrived at after several years of hearing,” the official stated.

CAPF officers had argued that stagnation due to the IPS officers filling senior positions was hurting morale. Implementation of the May 23rd judgment could lead to expedited promotions for an estimated 13,000 officers within the CAPFs.

The CAPFs include the Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The MHA serves as the cadre-controlling authority for both IPS and CAPF officers. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the government’s review petition in the coming weeks.

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