New Delhi

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on Wednesday introduced the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, triggering strong opposition from INDIA bloc MPs.

The proposed legislation outlines a new framework for staffing senior positions in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It mandates that 50 per cent of posts at the rank of Inspector General be filled through deputation, while at least 67 per cent of Additional Director General posts will also be filled via deputation. All posts at the level of Special Director General and Director General are to be filled exclusively through deputation.

Opposition members raised concerns that the Bill contradicts a 2025 ruling of the Supreme Court of India, which had directed that deputation in CAPFs up to the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level should be gradually reduced within a defined timeframe.

The debate in the House also saw a brief standoff between Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh and Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien. O’Brien staged a symbolic silent protest, objecting both to the Bill and the limited time allocated for discussion.

“We are objecting to this Bill… this is an anti-federal Bill,” O’Brien said, before observing silence as a mark of protest. In response, Chairman Harivansh stated that only one minute had been allotted for his remarks and that proceedings during the protest would not be recorded.

Responding to the criticism, Rai defended the Bill, asserting that it does not violate judicial principles or encroach upon the powers of the judiciary. He said Parliament is fully empowered under constitutional provisions to legislate on matters related to national security and armed forces.

“This Bill does not limit judicial review and does not interfere with the judiciary’s rights. It only aims to clarify the administrative structure, recruitment, deputation, and service-related arrangements,” Rai told the House.

The statement of objectives accompanying the Bill refers to Article 312 of the Constitution, noting that officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS) have historically played an integral role in CAPFs through deputation.

The financial memorandum of the Bill clarifies that its provisions do not entail any additional expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition for repeatedly citing judicial rulings during legislative debates. He argued that Parliament holds the authority to enact laws and should not abdicate its responsibilities.

“Judiciary interprets laws, but Parliament has the competence to make legislation under the Constitution,” Rijiju said, urging lawmakers to uphold their legislative role.

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The introduction of the Bill has sparked a broader debate over the balance between judicial directions and legislative authority, as well as concerns about federalism and administrative control within India’s security forces.