The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, through a voice vote amid Opposition walkout and sloganeering demanding that the legislation be sent to a select parliamentary panel for further deliberation.

The bill seeks to retain the dominance of IPS officers on deputation in the five CAPFs — the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and the SSB — negating the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Under the provisions of the bill, 50 per cent of the total posts in the rank of inspector-general and a minimum of 67 per cent of the posts in the rank of additional director-general and all posts in the ranks of special-director general and director-general shall be filled by IPS officers on deputation.

During the debate, Opposition MPs termed the legislation “unconstitutional” and unfair and claimed that it sought to nullify a 2025 Supreme Court judgment to phase out the deputation of IPS officers in the CAPFs. They said the bill “weakens the legislature, ignores the judiciary and limits the role of states”, adding it was not
a reform, but an attempt at "control".

Replying to the debate on the bill, junior home minister Nityanand Rai said the legislation aimed to enhance the efficiency and morale of the forces. “It will strengthen the federal structure of the country, enhance the recruitment process and streamline the services,” he said.

According to Rai, the bill was an important step in the direction of resolving several inconsistencies in service rules, cadre management and appointment-related issues to boost the efficiency of the armed forces. He said the CAPF bill “helps in maintaining proper coordination between armed forces and state police as well as state administration”.

The minister also dismissed apprehensions over the violation of the principles of separation of power and stagnation in career progression.

Rajya Sabha Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the members wanted the bill to go to a select committee. Dissatisfied with the junior home minister’s response, the Opposition staged a walkout amid sloganeering.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused the Opposition of disrespecting parliamentary procedures.

As the Opposition walked out, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said: “This is a very sad thing that our soldiers and CAPF officials, who protect the 15,000km borders of the country, are being subjected to a law that takes away their rights.”

He accused the government of passing the “black law” by overriding the order of the top court and several panels that recommended that CAPF personnel get their due promotions and rights. “The 11 lakh CAPF soldiers and officials of the country are watching the government’s actions.... when the time comes, they will respond.”