The Union Home Ministry has directed the CRPF to take immediate action for incorporating the provision of Security Force Court “as available in Acts and Rules of other CAPFS” for expediting disciplinary action against Group ‘A’ officers. The move comes as the CRPF takes “undue long time” in finalisation of disciplinary cases against cadre officers.

In communication titled “Disciplinary action against Group A officers of CRPF” on Monday sent to the Inspector General (Personnel) of CRPF and Legal Officer of the Ministry, the Centre underscored that the officers are governed by the provisions of Central Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.

“It has been observed that the disciplinary cases being initiated against Group ‘A’ officers of CRPF take a very long time to reach the finalisation and a large number of such cases pertain to unauthorised absence/desertion from duty,” reads the communication.

In forces like Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), there is a provision for Security Force Court where disciplinary action is concluded in a short period of time.

“Undue long time in finalisation of disciplinary cases of CRPF has been viewed seriously by the competent authority. The competent authority has, therefore, been directed that CRPF may include the provision of Security Force Court as available in the Acts and Rules of other CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces) for initiating disciplinary action against delinquent officers, so that such cases are finalised within minimum time,” the Ministry said in its letter. The Ministry directed its legal officer to coordinate with the CRPF for incorporating the provision of SFC for expeditious disciplinary action against the officers.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is an armed force of the Union under the Home Ministry and the Acts and Rules are akin to the defence forces which provide for an in-house court for taking timely disciplinary action.

While officials welcomed the move to set up the SFC, a section of other officials said it is a ploy against the cadre officials liable to be exploited by the IPS officers deputed to the CRPF.

Retired senior officials of the CRPF said the provision of the SFC must apply uniformly to the Group ‘A’ or cadre officers, IPS officers and other ranks to strengthen the  culture of discipline in the Force by swiftly taking action against erring officials.

A section of serving officials said there is an actual requirement of setting tribunals on the lines of the Armed Forces Tribunals for adjudication of disputes arising out of administrative decisions of the Force impacting the personnel.