SC Recognizes CAPF Officers as Organised Group A Services

On 23rd May, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Group A officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), dating back to the 1986 batch, are to be recognized as “Organised Services” for all purposes.

Key Points

Recognition as OGAS: The SC judgment confirms that CAPF officers are part of Organised Group A Services (OGAS), ensuring parity with other civil services like the Indian Foreign Service and IRS.
Deputation Reduction Ordered: IPS deputation posts at Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) and Inspector General (IG) levels in CAPFs must be progressively reduced within two years.
Cadre Review & NFFU: The ruling mandates a cadre review within six months and opens the door for Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) and amended recruitment rules to support internal promotions.
Impact on Promotions: The decision is expected to benefit approximately 13,000 officers. Many officers currently face stagnation — taking over 25–30 years to reach ranks achievable in 13–21 years.
Stagnation Concerns: The Court acknowledged morale issues due to lateral IPS entries blocking promotion avenues for deserving CAPF officers.
CAPFs Involved: The ruling applies to forces including the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB — all under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Court’s Acknowledgment: The SC emphasized the dedication and sacrifice of CAPF personnel in guarding borders and ensuring internal security under harsh conditions.
Government’s Argument: The Centre cited federal coordination and operational synergy as reasons for continued IPS deputation, which the Court partially rejected in favor of service equity.