'All Because Of The Boss’: CISF Jawans Forced To Give Guard Of Honour Against Rules

Last Updated:August 14, 2025, 14:49 IST

According to News18 Hindi, CISF Headquarters sent the BPR&D manual instructing strict adherence to rules, but Guard of Honour is still given to unauthorised individuals

According to CISF officials, giving Guards of Honour to unauthorised persons has become a serious concern. (Representative/PTI)

A recent controversy has emerged within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) regarding the adherence to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) manual for the provision of a Guard of Honour.

According to a News18 Hindi report, earlier in July, the Union Home Secretary attended a CRPF function as the chief guest but was not given a Guard of Honour, in line with BPR&D guidelines, which do not permit such honours for his position.

In contrast, a similar situation unfolded within the CISF when the General Manager (GM) of a plant was scheduled to join. Despite the plant management’s request for a Guard of Honour, the unit commander reportedly refused, citing BPR&D rules.

According to News18 Hindi, some officers of the plant approached the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) concerned. When the DIG made a recommendation call to the unit commander, he cited the BPR&D rules. The DIG agreed and also expressed his inability to grant a Guard of Honour to the GM.

Following this, the plant officers reportedly approached the Inspector General (IG). When the unit commander received a recommendation call from the IG, he again referred to the BPR&D rules. However, unlike the DIG, the IG did not agree.

‘Set Rules Aside’

The News18 Hindi report mentioned that the IG ordered the unit commander to set aside the BPR&D rules and follow his instructions. As a result, the unit commander was compelled to give a Guard of Honour to the GM.

This practice is reported to occur not only on the arrival and departure of the GM but also on Republic Day and other events organised in the plant. The CISF unit commander is reportedly forced to carry out the Guard of Honour unwillingly under the directions of senior officers.

Speaking to News18 Hindi on the condition of anonymity, an officer said the Guard of Honour is carried out solely to please the plant management and ensure their minor wishes are fulfilled. He said that if this practice stops, the management may get upset, and their requests could go unheeded. The officer added that the CISF headquarters is aware of this practice and had even issued an order in 2024 to stop it.

CISF Orders Strict Adherence To Guard of Honour Rules

News18 Hindi reported that an order issued by the CISF Training Branch on May 30, 2024 noted that during a visit to a CISF unit, the Director General found inconsistencies in the way the Guard of Honour was being conducted. While some units followed the BPR&D guidelines, others did not.

According to News18 Hindi, the CISF Headquarters had sent the BPR&D manual to all units along with the order, instructing that the Guard of Honour be conducted strictly as per the guidelines. However, reports indicate that this directive has largely been ignored, and Guards of Honour are still being given to unauthorised individuals.

The latest instance reportedly occurred in April, when a Guard of Honour was given to a corporation chairman during his assumption of charge. According to CISF officials, giving Guards of Honour to unauthorised persons has become a serious concern, making it difficult for personnel to maintain decorum.

Speaking to News18 Hindi, an official said that with Independence Day on August 15, preparations for Guard of Honour are already underway in most units, forcing them once again to honour unauthorised individuals.

Who Can Be Given The Guard Of Honour?

According to BPR&D rules, the Guard of Honour can be given only to the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Union Minister of State for Home, Governor, Chief Minister, state Home Ministers, Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Police, Inspector General, and Deputy Inspector General.

Additionally, the rules allow the Guard of Honour to be presented to the Head of a Foreign State, Vice Head of a Foreign State, Head of a Diplomatic Mission, and Head of a Foreign Police Force.

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August 14, 2025, 14:49 IST

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