Participating in a discussion on The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Upper House, opposition members Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Sanjay Singh (AP), Md Nadimul Haque (TMC) Sanjay Yadav (RJD) and Muzibulla Khan (BJD) demanded the government must give due respect to the CAPF personnel for their work and sacrifices for the nation.
They demanded that either the bill must be referred to a select committee of Parliament or incorporate various amendments proposed by the Opposition parties.
Siva pointed out that in 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself announced that the anomaly in the CAPF cadre structures will be addressed and whatever the Supreme Court has already guided will be followed by the government but was not followed up.
Later, when the CAPF people approached the apex court, he said, “In May 2025, the Supreme Court very clearly gave a judgement that slowly within two years, it asked the home ministry to phase out the deputation of IPS officers in the CAPF and enable their own officers to be in that rank.”
However, Siva said,”Clause 3(1) of this bill says that IPS deputation is a must and you (government) are insisting upon that. What is the reason for that? Are the CAPF officers incompetent to lead their own team?”
Noting that Parliament has legislative competence, the DMP member said, “but it should not override a Supreme Court judgement without addressing the defects that have been pointed out by the Supreme Court.” Sanjay Singh (AAP) alleged that the government is going to do grave injustice to CAPF personnel through the bill.
He pointed out the lack of career growth of CAPF personnel saying for a CRPF Assistant Commandant who joined in 2010 there is no promotion for 15 years and for a BSF Assistant Commandant in 13 years there is no promotion.
However, an IPS officer who joined in 2012 gets four promotions in 13 years, Singh claimed.
“We are not against the promotion of IPS officers but why is there no promotion for CAPF personnel,” he asked.
Citing deaths of many CAPF personnel in the line of duty, he said,”In the whole country the government sought votes in their name but you do not recognise them as martyrs.”
Md Nadimul Haque (TMC) said instead of strengthening institutions, this bill weakens the legislature, undermines the judiciary and limits the role of states.
“The officers of CAPF wait for 15-18 years for a promotion. After a ten-year long legal battle when they got their rights for their identity and career progression, the doors for them towards a senior position are being shut again” he said, adding that in the long term this will have an impact on India’s internal security.
Stating that the bill “shows the intent of the Centre clearly”, Haque said, “It is not a reform but an effort to control how the home ministry is trying to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court and how to capture the leadership of the forces by rewriting the law.”
Sanjay Yadav (RJD) highlighted the rising number of cited suicides among CAPF personnel due to stressful conditions and increased number of voluntary retirements, saying lack of promotion have demoralised them.
Taking a dig at the prime minister, Yadav said,”Celebrating one day on Diwali with them will not do them any good. We will have to make rules and regulations so that each day is a Diwali for them.”
Noting that CAPF personnel put their lives on the line to safeguard the border and maintain internal security, Muzibulla Khan (BJD) wondered, “What is the compulsion that despite the (Supreme) court order why this bill is being brought?”
The bill is an attempt to nullify the judgement of the Supreme Court and it is not a correct step, he added.
