On 15th April, 2019, the Delhi High Court sought the response from the Cabinet Committee on Security on a plea seeking directions to remove the dual control of Assam Rifles.
Issue of Dual Control
The administrative control of Assam Rifles lies with the Home Ministry, while the operational control is with the Defence Ministry.
The plea filed by the All India Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association alleges that the dual control violates the rights of the troopers of Rifles.
It challenges the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 stating that it places Assam Rifles under the head ‘Police’, which is unreasonable and violates the rights of Assam Rifles ex-servicemen guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
It argues that the objective and functions of Assam Rifles are that of military and paramilitary force and its categorisation as a police is clear violation of the rights of its personnel.
