India Enacts CAPF Act 2026 Amid Legal Challenges

The Government of India brought the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, into force on October 8. Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the law establishes a statutory framework for the recruitment, promotion, and service conditions of Group-A general duty officers across five forces: the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Sashastra Seema Bal.

The Act codifies specific quotas for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers on deputation. It mandates that 100% of Director General and Special Director General positions be filled by IPS officers, while 50% of Inspector General posts and at least 67% of Additional Director General posts are reserved for them. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai defended the legislation, stating it would bring administrative clarity and ensure promotion and financial benefits for the cadre.

Thousands of serving and retired CAPF officers are challenging the law in the Supreme Court of India, with a special bench hearing scheduled for October 15. Petitioners argue the Act is discriminatory and designed to circumvent a May 2025 court ruling that ordered a progressive reduction of IPS deputations to address career stagnation and improve cadre morale. The Ministry of Home Affairs maintains that IPS officers remain essential for national security and coordination between the Union and State governments.