NEW DELHI — Senior Congress MP Ajay Maken launched a scathing attack on the Union Government in the Rajya Sabha during the discussion on the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Bill, 2026. Maken alleged that the bill is not only unconstitutional but also a “dangerous attempt” to bypass previous Supreme Court mandates.
He questioned why the government intends to use legislative power to strip paramilitary officers of rights already granted to them by the judiciary.
Key Arguments from Ajay Maken’s Address
Maken raised several critical points regarding the legal status and morale of paramilitary personnel:
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Disregard for Judiciary: He noted that the Supreme Court’s landmark 2025 judgment granted Organized Group A Service (OGAS) status to CAPF officers and directed a gradual reduction of IPS officers on deputation in top posts. Maken argued that this bill effectively nullifies that ruling.
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Stifled Promotions: According to Maken, the new law would block career progression for cadre officers. The bill proposes reserving 50% of IG-level posts and 67% of ADG-level posts for IPS officers, which he claimed would demoralize internal leadership.
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Plight of Personnel: He drew the House’s attention to the rising rates of suicide and Voluntary Retirement (VRS) within the forces. “This isn’t just about 13,000 officers; it’s about the 10 lakh jawans. How can these forces function without motivation and fair promotion?” he asked.
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Demand for Scrutiny: The opposition demanded that the bill be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for further deliberation.
What is the CAPF Bill, 2026?
The government is introducing this as an “umbrella legislation” to create uniform regulations for the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB.
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Objective: To standardize recruitment, promotions, and service conditions while reducing legal disputes.
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Point of Contention: A specific clause in the bill empowers the Central Government to frame rules “notwithstanding any judgment, decree, or order of any court.” Critics see this as a direct move to bypass the 2025 Supreme Court decision.
Political Standpoint
Other opposition parties, including the TMC, joined the protest, labeling the bill as “anti-federal” and an encroachment on state rights regarding police leadership. In response, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai dismissed the opposition’s claims as baseless, asserting that the bill is essential for administrative reforms within the forces.
