Ex-CISF Personnel Entitled To Purchase Liquor From CAPF Canteens : Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has held that retired personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are entitled to purchase liquor from canteens operated by other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as CRPF and BSF, through the Central Liquor Management System (CLMS).

The bench of Justice N Nagaresh observed that the denial of this benefit to retired CISF personnel, when the same facility is extended to retirees of other CAPFs, constitutes hostile discrimination and violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.

The Court was considering two writ petitions, one filed by the CISF Ex-Service Welfare Association, and another by three retired CISF officers ,seeking a declaration that ex-CISF members in Kerala are entitled to buy liquor through the CLMS from the CRPF Canteen at Pallippuram or any other CAPF canteen.

Background

The petitioners pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had introduced the Central Police Forces Canteen System (CPFCS) in 2006 to extend canteen benefits to both serving and retired personnel of all CAPFs - CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, BSF, and Assam Rifles. Subsequently, by a 2011 order, the MHA also permitted the sale of liquor through these canteens.

In Kerala, the State Government had issued notifications allowing CRPF and BSF canteens to sell liquor to serving and retired CAPF personnel. For several years, retired CISF personnel in Kerala were issued liquor cards by the CRPF authorities and permitted to make purchases.

However, after the introduction of the Central Liquor Management System (CLMS), the CRPF stopped selling liquor to ex-CISF members, citing the absence of CISF data in the CLMS database. Earlier, the High Court had disposed of the writ petition filed by ex-CISF officers, asking the CISF Director General to take a decision on their representation.

In June 2024, pursuant to the High Court's direction, the CISF Director General decided the representation, refusing to extend the liquor facility to its retirees, stating that such permission would go against the “long-standing policy” of the Force and could “adversely affect security and discipline.” Challenging this order, the present writ petitions were filed.

Court's Analysis

The Court rejected the CISF's reasoning, describing it as “palpably unsustainable” and contrary to the constitutional mandate of equality.

“When liquor is supplied through canteens to retired personnel of other CAPFs, denial of the same benefit to retired CISF personnel is grossly discriminatory,” Justice Nagaresh said in the judgment.

Justice Nagaresh noted that all CAPFs perform sensitive duties involving national security, including CISF personnel who protect critical infrastructure such as nuclear facilities, airports, and refineries. Hence, it was impermissible to single out CISF retirees and deny them a benefit uniformly available to others.

"Firstly, all the wings of Central Armed Police Forces are discharging duties which can be described as sensitive in view of the national security requirements. It cannot be said that CISF personnel require a different yardstick in the matter of security and discipline. Denial of the benefit to the retired CISF personnel offends Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

Secondly, the petitioners are retired CISF personnel and supply of liquor through canteens to retired CAPF personnel cannot impact the discipline of the Force and that too, of CISF alone. The further reason that similar demand will arise from other sectors cannot be a reason to discriminate the petitioners. Ext.P18 order therefore cannot be sustained," the Court observed.

The Court emphasized that Article 14 forbids arbitrary and unreasonable classification between similarly situated persons. Since all CAPFs fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs and their personnel share the same service conditions and welfare framework, denying liquor canteen access to one wing while granting it to others was arbitrary, unreasonable and discriminatory.

Setting aside the CISF's order dated June 28, 2024, the High Court declared that retired CISF personnel are entitled to purchase liquor through the CLMS from CRPF canteens or any other CAPF canteen.

The Court directed the CISF to share data of its retired personnel with other CAPFs as required for the CLMS system and instructed the CRPF and other respondents to continue the sale of liquor to ex-CISF personnel accordingly.

For Petitioners in WP(C) NO. 26101 OF 2024 : Advs V. Jayapradeep, O.A. Nuriya, D.S. Lokanathan, Alan Priyadarshi Dev and Lilin Lal.

For Petitioners in WP(C) NO. 3418 OF 2025 : Advs T. Sanjay and Sanil Kumar G.

For CISF : OM Shalina, Deputy Solicitor General of India

Case Title: CISF Ex-Service Welfare Association v. Union of India & Ors.; Syam Mohan S.A & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 664

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