Rajya Sabha passes CAPF Bill, Opposition walks out

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, with a voice vote amid an Opposition walkout.

The Bill seeks to create a unified legal framewaork governing personnel across different CAPF forces, replacing the current patchwork of separate service rule regimes for the five Central Armed Police Forces.

Parliament Budget Session on April 1, 2026

Replying to the debate on the Bill, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the purpose of the Bill is to enhance the efficiency and morale of the forces.

He stated that the Bill will strengthen the federal structure of the country, enhance the recruitment process and streamline the services.

“The Bill is not against the federal structure of the country. In reality, it will strengthen the federal structure,” Mr. Rai said.

The Bill provides that to appoint officers from the Indian Police Service in CAPFs, 50% of the posts will be filled by deputation in the rank of inspector general and a minimum of 67% of the posts by deputation in the rank of Additional Director General.

The proposed legislation comes after the Supreme Court, in October last year, dismissed the Centre’s plea seeking a review of its 2025 verdict that directed that IPS officers’ deputation in CAPFs up to the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) should be “progressively reduced” and asked for a cadre review to be carried out in six months.

The Opposition staged a walkout demanding that the Bill be sent to a select panel of Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the members wanted the Bill to go to a select committee of Parliament. Dissatisfied with the Minister’s response, the Opposition staged a walkout amid sloganeering.

Responding to Mr. Kharge, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused the Opposition of disrespecting parliamentary procedures.

“I have said this before, they (Opposition) don’t have any interest in the debate. They don’t have any respect for parliamentary procedure,” he said.