Supreme Court seeks MHA files on CAPF cadre review

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to produce original files concerning the cadre review of five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The court aims to determine if the government violated a May 2025 order that required the review to be completed within six months.

A bench comprising Justices Manoj Mishra and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the recent enactment of the CAPF (General Administration) Act, 2026, does not affect the previous mandate for the cadre review. The court requested records detailing all steps taken to comply with the judgment, including correspondence regarding cadre review proposals.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, assured the court that the government acted in good faith and would produce the files at the next hearing. The court declined to impose an interim ban on the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the CAPFs, stating that such a move without sufficient data could create an administrative vacuum.

The matter, which includes a contempt petition filed by CAPF officers alleging non-compliance, is scheduled for further hearing on October 27.