The Lok Sabha passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill 2026 by voice vote on Thursday as opposition members protested and walked out, demanding scrutiny by a Select Committee. The bill, cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, is likely to undo a Supreme Court verdict directing the reduction of IPS officers' deputation in CAPFs. Opposition leaders criticised the move for undermining CAPF personnel's morale.
The Lok Sabha passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill 2026 by voice vote on Thursday amid protests from opposition members, who walked out demanding it be referred to a Select Committee for scrutiny. The Rajya Sabha had cleared the bill on Wednesday.
Congress MP Harish Chandra Meena, leading the opposition debate, stated the bill stemmed from a Supreme Court order aimed at delivering justice to retired officers. "The issue went to court when the retired officers didn’t get justice … This was the first failure," he said, alleging no consultations with stakeholders. Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav noted CAPF personnel had shared their concerns with opposition lawmakers. "Why are you going after the morale of lakhs of CAPF personnel?" he asked, demanding martyr status for those dying on duty.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra spoke on behalf of CAPF officers denied martyr status, calling them "operational casualties" by the government. She highlighted that CAPF cadre officers cannot head their units despite years in the field. Moitra accused the government of using IPS deputation in CAPFs as a tool against opposition during elections, citing Bengal where local officers were replaced by those from BJP-ruled states.
In October last year, the Supreme Court dismissed the Centre's review plea against its 2025 verdict, which mandated progressive reduction of IPS deputation in CAPFs up to Senior Administrative Grade and a cadre review within six months. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai accused the opposition of politicising the legislation.
