Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Polity and Governance
Why in News?
Recently, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union Government on petitions filed by serving CAPF officers challenging the Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026.
Background
- CAPF Officers’ Complaint – Officers from CRPF, BSF, ITBP and other forces say they spend their whole careers in these forces but cannot reach the top posts.
- Glass Ceiling – Senior posts like DG, Special DG, ADG and IG are reserved for IPS officers on deputation, blocking promotions of CAPF cadre officers.
Sections Challenged
Petitions seek to declare Section 3 and Section 4 of the CAPF Act as “as ultra vires the Constitution of India.”
- Section 3 – Reserves senior posts for IPS officers—50% IG, 67% ADG, 100% Special DG and DG.
- Section 4 – Lets Centre amend schedules through simple notification in “public interest.”
Core Legal Arguments
- Petitioners say the 2026 Act overrides a binding Supreme Court judgment without fixing its legal flaws.
- This violates the doctrine of separation of powers and fundamental rights under Articles 14, 16, and 21.
Article 14 – Equality Before Law; Article 16 – Equality in Public Jobs and Article 21 – Right to Life and Liberty
Reference
The Hindu | CAPF
