Created by Fuzzy Cloud

Army Act, 1950

109 judgments · newest first · showing 1–109

Arjun Prasad SharmaversusThe Union of India

DISPOSED

The petitioner, a retired army personnel, challenged a letter issued by the State Bank of India ordering recovery of pension amounts on the ground that his rank was incorrectly recorded. The Union of India argued that the dispute falls within the definition of "service matters" under the Armed …

S.K. JAINversusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

2025 INSC 1215Dismissed

The appellant, a Colonel in the Army Ordnance Corps, was tried by a General Court Martial on three charges: corruption for accepting Rs 10,000, possession of ammunition without licence, and an act prejudicial to good order and discipline for possessing Rs 28,000 cash. The GCM convicted him of the …

ARSHNOOR KAUR & ANR.versusTHE UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2025 INSC 954Disposed off

The petitioners, two female candidates who ranked higher than a male candidate in the JAG Short Service Commission selection, challenged a notification that allotted only three vacancies for women against six for men, alleging violation of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution. The Court …

EX SEPOY MADAN PRASADversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

2023 INSC 656Dismissed

Ex SeppoY Madan Prasad, a Mechanical Transport Driver in the Army Service Corps, was granted leave in 1998 and later an extension on compassionate grounds. He failed to report back after the extended leave expired, claiming his wife’s illness, and remained absent for 108 days, after which he …

NO.15138812Y L/NK GURSEWAK SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

2023 INSC 648Case Partly allowed

Lance Naik Gursewak Singh and Lance Naik Kala Singh, both serving in the Indian Army, consumed liquor and got into a heated argument over seniority. Singh seized Kala's rifle and fired a single bullet, killing him. A court‑martial convicted Singh under IPC s.302 read with Army Act s.69, sentencing …

JOSEPH SHINEversusUNION OF INDIA

2023 INSC 87Disposed off

The Union of India filed a miscellaneous application seeking clarification of the Supreme Court’s decision in Joseph Shine v. Union of India, which struck down Section 497 of the IPC, asking whether the judgment also affects the applicability of Sections 45, 63 of the Army Act, 1950 and analogous …

IC-56663X COL ANIL KUMAR GUPTAversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2022 INSC 1182Case Partly allowed

The appellant, Col. Anil Kumar Gupta, was charged under Section 45 of the Army Act for conduct unbecoming an officer. The aggrieved officer wrote a letter on 13‑08‑2015 alleging that the appellant had sent indecent messages to his wife, which triggered disciplinary action. The question before the …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusMAJOR R. METRI NO. 08585N

2022 INSC 384Case Partly allowed

The case concerned Major R. Metri, a Recruiting Medical Officer, who was convicted by a General Court Martial for helping candidates clear Army recruitment rallies in exchange for money, under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Army Act. The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) set aside the …

UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERSversusLT. GEN. (RETD.) S.K. SAHNI

2022 INSC 332Dismissed

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Sahni, former Director General, Supplies and Transport, was investigated by a Court of Inquiry (CoI) for alleged irregularities in procurement and quality control. The CoI recommended only a recordable censure, but the Army Commander ordered disciplinary action under the Army …

PANI RAMversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2021 INSC 922Appeal(s) allowed

Pani Ram, a former regular army infantry officer, re‑enrolled in the Territorial Army (TA) and suffered a severe accident while returning from leave, resulting in an 80% disability. The Medical Board and a Court of Inquiry found the injury attributable to military service, and he was invalided out, …

NEHA TYAGIversusLIEUTENANT COLONEL DEEPAK TYAGI

2021 INSC 811Disposed off

Neha Tyagi, the wife, lodged several complaints with the Army alleging her husband Deepak Tyagi's extra‑marital affairs; the Army enquiry cleared him. The husband subsequently filed a divorce petition on the grounds of cruelty and desertion, and the Family Court decreed divorce, which the Rajasthan …

EX-GUNNER VIRENDER PRASADversusUNION OF INDIA & ANR.

2020 INSC 305Dismissed

Ex‑Gunner Virender Prasad was convicted by a Summary General Court Martial under Section 69 of the Army Act for murdering a fellow gunner while allegedly acting in a delusional state of a terrorist attack. The conviction and life sentence were affirmed by the Armed Forces Tribunal, and the appellant …

THE SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCEversusBABITA PUNIYA & ORS.

2020 INSC 198Disposed off

The case concerned women officers of the Indian Army who were commissioned on Short Service Commission (SSC) and sought Permanent Commission (PC) on the basis of equality guarantees under Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution. The Delhi High Court had directed that women SSC officers be granted …

SANJAY MARUTIRAO PATILversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

2020 INSC 85Dismissed

The appellant, a Sepoy in the Indian Army, was tried by a Summary Court Martial for three misconduct charges under Section 63 of the Army Act and pleaded guilty, receiving a reduction in rank. Later, the Army authorities served a show‑cause notice under Section 20 read with Rule 17 of the Army …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusR. KARTHIK

2020 INSC 62Dismissed

The sailor R. Karthik was dismissed from the Indian Navy under Section 45(a) of the Navy Act after a superior officer complained that Karthik had struck him during an incident at sea. The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) set aside the dismissal, deeming it disproportionate, and substituted it with a …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusP. S. GILL

2019 INSC 1290Dismissed

The Union of India appealed against the Armed Forces Tribunal’s order quashing the convening of a General Court Martial against former Army officer P.S. Gill, who was alleged to have been involved in procurement irregularities. After a Court of Inquiry identified twelve officers, including Gill, a …

SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA & ORS.versusDHARMBIR SINGH

2019 INSC 1063Appeal(s) allowed

Dharambir Singh, a former Territorial Army soldier, was injured in a scooter accident while on two days of casual leave and claimed a disability pension. The Armed Forces Tribunal had granted the pension, holding that leave is deemed duty, but the Government appealed. The Supreme Court examined …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusSANDEEP KUMAR ETC.

2019 INSC 1030Disposed off

The case arose from the loss of two pistols during a T‑90 tank conversion exercise of the 71 Armoured Regiment at Pokhran. The accused soldiers, Neeraj Kumar Dhaka and Sandeep Kumar, were convicted by a District Court Martial for theft and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment and dismissal. The Armed …

COL. RAJNISH BHANDARI, VSMversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2019 INSC 857Appeal(s) allowed

Col. Rajnish Bhandari appealed against the Union of India challenging the constitutionality of Section 497 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) and the continuation of prosecution under Section 63 of the Army Act after an acquittal subject to confirmation. The Court, relying on the Joseph Shine judgment, …

SMT. SULEKHA RANIversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2019 INSC 769Case Allowed

The appellant, Smt. Sulekha Rani, sought family pension after her husband, an Army Jawan, was discharged on 31 August 2001 without the convening of an Invalidating Medical Board and later died in 2007. The Armed Forces Tribunal dismissed her claim, relying on Army Rule 13(3)(III)(v), a residuary …

RANDHIR SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2019 INSC 729Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a Lance Dafadar in the Indian Army, was charged with misconduct for touching a colleague's spouse and was tried by a Summary Court Martial (SCM) in May 2008, resulting in dismissal. The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) upheld the conviction but reduced the punishment to discharge, deeming …

DALBIR SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2019 INSC 714Disposed off

Dalbir Singh, an army soldier posted to 3 Rashtriya Rifles, participated in a cordon‑and‑search operation on 13 August 2006 in Jammu and Kashmir. During an intense exchange of fire, a fellow soldier, Sapper Gurmail Singh, was killed and the militants seized the Light Machine Gun. Singh jumped over a …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusEX. NO.6492086A SEP/ASH KULBEER SINGH

2019 INSC 340Appeal(s) allowed

Sepoy Kulbeer Singh, after being posted to a new unit, failed to report and was absent without leave for 302 days, leading to a declaration of desertion under Section 106 of the Army Act. He later reported, was tried by a Summary Court Martial, pleaded guilty to unauthorized absence and loss of …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusLT COLONEL DHARAMVIR SINGH

2019 INSC 214Appeal(s) allowed

Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh, an Indian Army officer, was posted in Nanded, Maharashtra when an attachment order dated 5 October 2018 was issued by the Army headquarters to initiate disciplinary action under Army Instruction 30/86. He challenged the attachment order through a writ petition under Article …

UNION OF INDIA & OTHERSversusCOL RAN SINGH DUDEE

2018 INSC 576Appeal(s) allowed

Colonel Ran Singh Dudee, an army officer, was tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) and sentenced to cashiering and imprisonment, but the proceedings were later annulled under Section 165 of the Army Act, 1950, and he was reinstated with loss-of-salary benefits. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel and …

LT. COL. VIJAYNATH JHAversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2018 INSC 540Dismissed

Lt. Col. Vijaynath Jha, a commissioned officer of the Indian Army, was seconded to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) for two years. After the tenure he applied for permanent secondment, but the Quality Assurance Selection Board (QASB) found him unfit and the Ministry of Defence …

EX SIG. MAN KANHAIYA KUMARversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2018 INSC 13Dismissed

Man Kanhaiya Kumar enlisted in the Indian Army in 2009 using a falsified relationship certificate that claimed his father was an ex‑serviceman. After six years, a show‑cause notice alleged fraudulent enrolment and he was dismissed under Section 20(3) of the Army Act, 1950. The appellant challenged …

MOHAMMED ANSARIversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2017 INSC 1259Dismissed

Mohammed Ansari, a member of the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), sought non‑functional financial upgradation after completing the requisite service. He filed an original application before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which, despite a preliminary objection by the Government …

S. MUTHU KUMARANversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2017 INSC 1255Case Partly allowed

S. Muthu Kumaran, a Havildar/Clerk in the Indian Army, was alleged to have participated in a fraudulent recruitment racket in 2006 and had earlier given a confessional statement, which he later claimed was made under coercion. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 26 Infantry Division issued a …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusVISHAV PRIYA SINGH

2016 INSC 495Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined several writ petitions filed by army personnel who had been tried by Summary Courts Martial (SCM) convened by Commanding Officers (CO) of units other than the units to which they belonged. The Delhi High Court had held that only the CO of the accused's own unit could …

SANTOSH DEVIversusUNION OF INDIA. & ORS.

2016 INSC 387Disposed off

Raj Singh, a Territorial Army (TA) enrollee since 1995, was disembodied on 31 March 2008 and died on 4 August 2008 while in that disembodied state. His wife filed a writ petition seeking family pension, which was denied by the Armed Forces Tribunal on the ground that he had not completed the fifteen …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusMANOJ DESWAL & ORS.

2015 INSC 810Appeal(s) allowed

Manoj Deswal, a trainee Store Hand Technical in the Army Supply Corps, was absent without sanctioned leave for 108 days between April and July 2005 and was declared a deserter after a summary enquiry. He was discharged on 27 August 2005 by the Commanding Officer under Rule 13(3) of the Army Rules, …

VEERENDRA KUMAR DUBEYversusCHIEF OF ARMY STAFF & ORS.

2015 INSC 797Appeal(s) allowed

Veerendra Kumar Dubey, an operator in the Indian Army, was discharged after accruing four red‑ink entries for overstaying leave. Although a show‑cause notice was issued, no impartial inquiry was conducted as required by the Army Headquarters circular of 28 December 1988, which prescribes a …

RAMESH KUMARversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2015 INSC 538Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a former Store Keeper Technical in the Indian Army, was reinstated after a commuted court‑martial punishment but was denied promotion to Naib Subedar and the associated pay and allowances for the period from 1 August 1997 to his actual promotion on 13 November 2000. The Departmental …

OM PRAKASHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2015 INSC 491Dismissed

The appellant, a soldier, was involved in a drunken altercation at a farewell party where the deceased Dafadar Ram Pratap attempted to intervene and was later found stabbed to death. The appellant surrendered to police, gave a voluntary confession, and was tried before a General Court Martial, which …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusMAJOR GENERAL SHRI KANT SHARMA & ANR.

2015 INSC 206Disposed off

The case concerned several writ petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution challenging orders of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). The Union of India argued that Sections 30 and 31 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, together with Articles 136(2) and 227(4) of the Constitution, bar …

UNION OF INDIA & ANR.versusPURUSHOTTAM

2015 INSC 2Disposed off

The case concerned Havildar Purushottam, who was tried by a Summary Court Martial (SCM) for extortion and other misconduct, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to reduction in rank. The SCM proceedings were later set aside by a Deputy Judge‑Advocate General acting as a reviewing authority under …

UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERSversusMAJOR S.P. SHARMA AND OTHERS

2014 INSC 172Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerns the termination of several Indian Army officers in 1980 under Section 18 of the Army Act, invoking the constitutional doctrine of pleasure under Article 310. The officers challenged the termination as illegal, arbitrary, and violative of Articles 14, 16, 19 and 21, alleging lack of …

MAJOR GENERAL H.M. SINGH, VSMversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

2014 INSC 18Appeal(s) allowed

Major General H.M. Singh, the senior most Major General in the DRDO, was recommended by a Selection Board for promotion to Lieutenant General. As he was due to superannuate on 29‑Feb‑2008, the President granted two extensions of service under Army Rule 16A to allow his promotion to be considered. …

SAMRENDRA BEURAversusU.O.I. & OTHERS

2013 INSC 350Disposed off

The petitioner, a Mechanical Transport Driver in the Indian Air Force, was convicted by a district court‑martial of unauthorized absence under Section 39(a) of the Air Force Act, 1950 and sentenced to three months' rigorous imprisonment, dismissal from service and reduction in rank. He had been in …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusEX-GNR AJEET SINGH

2013 INSC 206Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a serving army soldier, was tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) for six offences including absence without leave, theft of ammunition and possession of a counterfeit seal, receiving dismissal and seven years' rigorous imprisonment. He contended that some offences were committed …

NAND KISHORversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2013 INSC 16Appeal(s) allowed

Nano Kishore Mishra was selected for a Short Service Commission in the Army Medical Corps but was denied because he was placed in Medical Category SHAPE‑II due to the amputation of his left ring finger. He contended that the injury occurred while he was on duty and therefore fell under the "active …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusDINESH PRASAD

2012 INSC 497Appeal(s) allowed

Dinesh Prasad, a washerman/rifleman in the Assam Rifles, was absent without leave for 808 days and was charge‑sheeted under Section 39(a) of the Army Act, 1950. A summary court‑martial was convened and presided over by the Commandant, Col. A.S. Sehrawat, who had also signed the charge sheet. Prasad …

CHANDRA KUMAR CHOPRAversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

2012 INSC 231Dismissed

Major Chandra Kumar Chopra was tried by a General Court Martial under the Army Act, 1950 for three offences involving fraud, misuse of Leave Travel Concession and improper use of a railway warrant. He challenged the composition of the court martial, alleging bias because he had lodged a statutory …

GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDINGversusCBI AND ANR

2012 INSC 196Disposed off

The CBI investigated a 2000 fake encounter at Pathribal in Jammu & Kashmir, where five alleged terrorists were killed by members of the 7 Rashtriya Rifles, and filed a charge‑sheet against several army officers. The officers invoked Section 7 of the Armed Forces (Jammu & Kashmir) Special Powers Act, …

RAJVIR SINGHversusSECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE & OTHERS

2012 INSC 91Appeal(s) allowed

Colonel Rajvir Singh, an officiating commandant at the Central Ordnance Depot, was alleged to have caused a loss of Rs.60.18 lakh through irregular procurement. The Armed Forces Tribunal ordered a General Court Martial (GCM) to be re‑assembled, but Singh contended that the GCM was barred by the …

SHISH RAMversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2011 INSC 817Dismissed

Shish Ram, who had served over ten years in the Indian Army, was transferred to the reserve establishment and failed to attend mandatory reservist training, nor did he provide an exemption certificate. He was declared a deserter in 1978 and subsequently dismissed by the brigade commander in 1981. …

UNION OF INDIA THROUGH ITS SECRETARY MINISTRY OF DEFENCEversusRABINDER SINGH

2011 INSC 727

The appellant Union of India alleged that Major Rabinder Singh, while commanding the 6 Armoured Regiment, fraudulently countersigned bills to claim Rs.77,692 for vehicle modifications that were never carried out, resulting in wrongful loss to the Army. A Court of Inquiry and a General Court Martial …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusBODUPALLI GOPALASWAMI

2011 INSC 672Disposed off

The Commandant of 227 Company ASC (Supply) was dismissed by a General Court Martial (GCM) and his pension was forfeited by order of the President under Regulation 16(a) of the Army Pension Regulations. The Punjab & Haryana High Court quashed the pension forfeiture, prompting appeals by the Union of …

SACHIDANAND THAKURversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2010 INSC 706Dismissed

The appellant, an Indian Army soldier, fired three shots at a member of a Quick Reaction Team during a night security duty after a stone‑throwing incident, killing Naik Jityu Yadav at a distance of 8‑10 feet. Despite being warned by a fellow sentry not to fire, he shot the victim and, when …

J.S. SEKHONversusUNION OF INDIA

2010 INSC 492Dismissed

The appellant, a Lieutenant Colonel serving as Garrison Engineer, was convicted by a General Court Martial (GCM) for defrauding the Army by entering overpriced contracts for repair and replacement of equipment. He challenged the conviction on two grounds: (1) that the GCM was convened beyond the …

ARUN RAJversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2010 INSC 320Dismissed

The appellant, an army signalman, stabbed a fellow soldier to death with a concealed kitchen knife after alleging verbal abuse. He was tried by a General Court Martial under Section 302 IPC read with Section 69 of the Army Act, convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment and dismissal …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusV.N. SINGH

2010 INSC 201Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned alleged irregularities in local purchase of goods at the 4th Reserved Petroleum Depot, leading to a series of inquiries and disciplinary proceedings against Lt. Col. V.N. Singh. After a Technical Court of Inquiry and a Staff Court of Inquiry implicated Singh, a General Court …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusA K. PANDEY

2009 INSC 1139Dismissed

The case concerned A.K. Pandey, an army officer charged with selling a weapon, who was informed of the charges on 2 November 1995 and tried by a General Court Martial on 6 November 1995, but the trial began at 10:10 a.m., less than the 96‑hour interval mandated by Rule 34 of the Army Rules, 1954. …

EX. CONSTABLE RAMVIR SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2008 INSC 1475Dismissed

Constable Ramvir Singh of the Border Security Force was convicted of disobeying orders, withholding official dak and, while in internal custody, refusing meals and pack drill. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven days of rigorous imprisonment and dismissal from service. He challenged the …

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.versusRAJPAL SINGH

2008 INSC 1279Dismissed

The case concerned a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) who, after being placed in a permanent low medical category, was discharged from the Indian Army without the recommendation of an Invalidating Board. The respondent argued that under Army Rule 13(3)(i)(ii) a discharge on the ground of being …

BACHAN SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2008 INSC 801Dismissed

Bachan Singh, a Sepoy of the Indian Army, was tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) under the Army Act, 1950 for allegedly crossing the international border into Pakistan. The GCM found him guilty of an offence under Section 63, sentenced him to two years' imprisonment and dismissed him from …

UNION OF INDIA & ANR.versusV.N. SAXENA

2008 INSC 437Case Partly allowed

V.N. Saxena, an army officer, was terminated from service by the Chief of Army Staff on 13 November 1990. He challenged the termination through a writ petition under Article 226. The Uttarakhand High Court set aside the termination, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Major Radha Krishnan, …

P.K. CHOUDHURYversusCOMMANDER, 48 BRTF (GREF)

2008 INSC 361Case Allowed

The appellant, a Commandant of the 48 BRTF (GREF), was alleged to have committed offences under IPC sections 166 and 167 between 5 January 1989 and 11 February 1992. A complaint petition was filed only in November 2000, based on a 1996 report, and the Judicial Magistrate took cognizance on 7 …

RAM SUNDER RAMversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2007 INSC 748Dismissed

Ram Sunder Ram, a Petrol, Oil and Lubricants clerk in the Indian Army, was alleged to have received illegal money for the clandestine sale of gas. A court of inquiry found him guilty of a prejudicial act, after which he was shown cause; his reply was deemed unsatisfactory and he was discharged from …

SHEEL KR ROYversusSECRETARY M/O DEFENCE AND ORS.

2007 INSC 645Appeal(s) allowed

Sheel Kumar Roy, an Army serviceman who suffered from psychiatric illness, was repeatedly admitted to military hospitals and was on medical leave from July 1990 to July 1991. A Court of Enquiry under Army Rule 22 recommended that his period of absence be regularised as medical leave, but the …

PRADEEP SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2007 INSC 440Dismissed

Pradeep Singh, an acting Naik in the Indian Army, was absent without leave for 21 months. Upon his return, his acting rank was withdrawn and he was tried by a Summary Court‑Martial under Sections 39A and 116 of the Army Act, which sentenced him to dismissal. He challenged the conviction on four …

KUSHESHWAR PRASAD SINGHversusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

2007 INSC 316Case Partly allowed

The appellant, a landholder, filed a return under the Bihar Land Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling Area and Acquisition of Surplus Land) Act, 1961 in 1973-74 claiming he did not possess excess land. The Deputy Collector in 1976 upheld his claim and ordered the proceedings dropped, but no final statement …

ROMESH KUMAR SHARMAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 485Dismissed

The appellant, a Havildar/Clerk in the Ladakh Scouts with 17 years of service, was found to have participated in espionage during 1984‑85. A Court of Inquiry under Rule 177 of the Army Rules, 1954 confirmed his involvement, and the Army dismissed him under Section 20(1) of the Army Act, 1950, …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusCAPT. SATENDRA KUMAR

2006 INSC 444Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, was required to pass the Part B promotional examination within 13 years of service. He falsely claimed to have passed Part B and applied for the Part D exam, leading to a show‑cause notice and a severe displeasure award. While his case was …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusRANBIR SINGH RATHAUR AND ORS.

2006 INSC 163Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerns several army officers who were tried by General Court Martial for espionage, some convicted and others dismissed administratively under Section 18 of the Army Act, 1950. Their writ petitions challenging the Court Martial proceedings and the administrative dismissals were dismissed …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusDEVENDRA NATH RAI

2006 INSC 18Appeal(s) allowed

The accused, Devendra Nath Rai, while on quarter‑guard duty, refused to let three army personnel in civilian attire make a "lights out" entry, claimed they were terrorists, and opened fire, killing two soldiers and grievously injuring two others. He was tried by a General Court Martial under the …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusASHOK KUMAR AND ORS.

2005 INSC 506Appeal(s) allowed

The case concerned the removal of a Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Ashok Kumar, for misconduct during a raid, including falsifying his presence, suppressing seizure details and staging a fake encounter. A Staff Court of Inquiry found him delinquent and the Director …

M.M. MALHOTRAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2005 INSC 473Dismissed

M.M. Malhotra, a permanent commission officer of the Indian Air Force, was married to Roopa (Ruby) Malhotra under Hindu rites. The complainant alleged that Malhotra had an illicit relationship and had contracted a second marriage with Miss Anna Suja John, and that he brutally tortured Roopa. A …

STATE (UNION OF INDIA)versusRAM SARAN

2003 INSC 689Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, Constable Ram Saran of the CRPF, was convicted by an Assistant Commandant exercising the powers of a Judicial Magistrate under Section 10(m) of the Central Reserve Police Force Act for unauthorised absence and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. The Sessions Court and the …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusL.D. BALAM SINGH

2002 INSC 224Dismissed

The case concerned L.D. Balam Singh, an Indian Army officer, who was tried by a General Court Martial under Section 69 of the Army Act for an offence punishable under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The High Court had set aside his conviction on the ground …

UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.versusP.D. YADAV

2001 INSC 509Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined orders that forfeited the pensions of four military officers who had been convicted by General Court Martials and dismissed or cashiered. The respondents challenged the forfeiture on the grounds that the Army Pension Regulation 16(a) and Navy Pension Regulation 15(2) were …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusR.K. SHARMA

2001 INSC 492Disposed off

The respondent, a Deputy Commandant of the Assam Rifles, was tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) for four offences under the Army Act, 1950, including disobeying orders, unbecoming conduct, and falsifying official records, and was sentenced to dismissal from service. The High Court set aside the …

MAJOR AROON KUMAR SINHAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2001 INSC 319Dismissed

Major A.K. Sinha, an Army officer, was not promoted to Lt. Colonel and alleged that adverse remarks in his Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) were the cause. He filed a statutory complaint under Section 27 of the Army Act in 1996, more than five years after the remarks were communicated, exceeding …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusHARJEET SINGH SANDHU

2001 INSC 202Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined two writ petitions challenging termination orders issued under Section 19 of the Army Act read with Rule 14 of the Army Rules. Both petitioners had earlier faced General Court‑Martial proceedings that were either annulled or became time‑barred under Section 122. The High …

SUKHDEV SINGH GILLversusSTATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

2000 INSC 495Dismissed

Sukhdev Singh Gill, a former Superintendent in the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), sought to have his service counted as "military service" for seniority purposes under the Punjab Government National Emergency (Concession) Rules, 1965. The High Court rejected his claim and dismissed his writ …

UNION OF INDIA AND ANRversusCHARANJIT S. GILL AND ORS

2000 INSC 231Dismissed

The respondent, a Major in the Indian Army, was tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) for offences under Sections 39(1) and 63 of the Army Act. The GCM appointed a Captain as Judge‑Advocate, a rank lower than the accused. The GCM convicted and sentenced the Major, the sentence was later revised to …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusSADHA SINGH

1999 INSC 485Dismissed

Sadh Singh was convicted by a General Court Martial under Section 302 IPC and Section 69 of the Army Act for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He had served 11 years and 1 month in actual custody, 1 year 7 months 29 days in pre‑trial detention and had earned a remission of four years, which …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORSversusNO. 664950 IM HA VILDAR/CLERK SC BAGARI

1999 INSC 189Appeal(s) allowed

The petitioner, a Havildar/Clerk in the Indian Army, challenged Army Order No. 11 of 1987 which limited the grant of study leave to regular commissioned officers, alleging discrimination under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The Union of India contended that study leave is intended to …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusSUBEDAR RAM NARAIN ETC.

1998 INSC 361Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, was court‑martialled under Sections 40(a) and 48 of the Army Act, 1950, found guilty and dismissed from service. He filed a writ petition seeking pensionary benefits, and the Delhi High Court, relying on Major G.S. Sodhi’s case, held …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusCAPT. A.P. BAJPAI

1998 INSC 109Appeal(s) allowed

Capt. A.P. Bajpai, an army officer, was tried by a General Court‑Martial (GCM) for theft of government property and for absenting himself without leave. The GCM acquitted him on the theft charge but convicted him on the absent‑without‑leave charge, sentencing him to forfeit three years' service and …

THE GENERAL COURT MARTIAL AND ORS.versusCOL. ANILTEJ SINGH DHALIWAL

1997 INSC 816Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved Col. AnilteJ Singh Dhaliwal, an army officer convicted by a General Court Martial on four charges relating to alleged false statements, fraud, and omission in reporting losses. He appealed to the High Court, which quashed the Court Martial’s findings on the basis that key evidence …

UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERSversusIC-14827 MAJOR A. HUSSAIN

1997 INSC 793Appeal(s) allowed

Major A. Hussain, a serving army officer, was charged with loss of classified documents and was tried before a General Court Martial (GCM). He was provided copies of relevant documents, an advance to engage a civilian defence counsel, and several defending officers were offered, which he declined. …

NAGA PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA

1997 INSC 763Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined challenges to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) and the Assam Disturbed Areas Act, 1955, along with notifications declaring disturbed areas in several northeastern states. Petitioners argued that Parliament lacked competence to enact AFSPA, that the Act …

MAJOR R.S. BUDHWARversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 648Appeal(s) allowed

The case involved Major R.S. Budhwar and two other soldiers who were convicted by a General Court Martial for abetment and commission of murders of senior army officers under Sections 302, 34 and 109 of the IPC read with Section 69 of the Army Act. The appellants challenged the convictions on the …

MAJOR RADHA KRISHANversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 437Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a Major in the Indian Army, was served a notice under Section 19 of the Army Act, 1950 and Rule 14 of the Army Rules, 1954, proposing termination of his service for misconduct alleged to have occurred about seven years earlier. The notice claimed that a court‑martial trial was …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusMAJOR GENERAL MADAN LAL YADAV (RETD.)

1996 INSC 425Appeal(s) allowed

Major General Madan Lal Yadav, a retired officer, was charged under Section 123 of the Army Act, 1950 for dereliction of duty in local purchases. After his retirement on 31 August 1986, he was kept under open arrest and a charge‑sheet was issued. A General Court‑Martial (GCM) was convened on 25 …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusR.K.L.D. AZAD

1995 INSC 449Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, was arrested in August 1990 and tried for an offence under Section 64(e) of the Army Act. Although he retired on superannuation on 31 August 1990, the Army extended his subjection to the Act until the trial concluded. He was …

P.CHANDRAMOULYversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

1994 INSC 280Dismissed

Four members of the General Reserve Engineers Force (GREF) were tried by a Court‑Martial convened under a warrant of the Chief of the Army Staff authorising the Chief Engineer and were convicted of offences under Sections 63, 39(a) and 41 of the Army Act. They challenged the jurisdiction of the …

EX. CAPT. HARISH UPPALversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1994 INSC 132Dismissed

Harish Uppal, a former Indian Army officer, was court‑martialed and sentenced to dismissal and two years' rigorous imprisonment for irregularities during the 1971 Bangladesh operations. While incarcerated, his advocate filed a post‑confirmation petition under Section 164(2) of the Army Act, 1950, …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusJ.S. BRAR

1992 INSC 270Appeal(s) allowed

Major J.S. Brar was charged under Section 69 of the Army Act, 1950 read with Section 379 IPC for theft of army property. After an initial General Court Martial (GCM) found him guilty of one charge and acquitted him of another, the Confirming Authority ordered a revision under Section 160 and Rule 68 …

LT. GENERAL R.K. ANANDversusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

1991 INSC 344Dismissed

Lt. Gen. R.K. Anand retired at age 57 under a Departmental letter dated 9 September 1986, which introduced a two‑stream concept for Lt. Generals, assigning a lower retirement age to the 'Staff only' stream. He challenged the retirement, claiming the earlier letter of 9 May 1985, which fixed the …

EX-HAVILDAR RAT AN SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1991 INSC 300Appeal(s) allowed

Havildar Ratan Singh was charged with cowardly abandonment of his post during an armed operation against militants and was tried by a Summary Court Martial under the Army Act, 1950. The trial court held that the offence fell under section 36 of the Act, allowing summary jurisdiction, and convicted …

EX. NAIK SARDAR SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

1991 INSC 128Disposed off

Sardar Singh, a Jawan with ten years of service, was convicted by a summary court‑martial for carrying twelve bottles of liquor, seven of which exceeded his permitted allowance, while on leave. The court‑martial sentenced him to three months' rigorous imprisonment and dismissal from service. Singh …

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF AND ORS.versusMAJOR S.P. CHADHA

1990 INSC 399Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a Lt. Colonel of the Indian Army, was attached to another unit, made to relinquish his acting rank and suspended while disciplinary proceedings were pending for alleged torture leading to a soldier’s death. The Army opted to try him before a General Court‑Martial, but the …

MAJOR SURESH CHAND MEHRAversusDEFENCE SECRETARY (U.0.1.) AND OTHERS

1990 INSC 347Dismissed

The petitioner, a Major in the Indian Army, was accused of assaulting the regimental medical officer during a dispute over a steel almirah. An initial inquiry by the commanding officer found the allegation unsubstantiated, but higher commanders later concluded there was sufficient circumstantial …

S.N. MUKHERJEEversusUNION OF INDIA

1990 INSC 257Dismissed

The appellant, a permanent commissioned officer, was tried by a General Court‑Martial for alleged fraud and misconduct and was dismissed from service. The findings and sentence were confirmed by the Chief of the Army Staff, and the appellant's post‑confirmation petition under section 164(2) of the …

UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.versusNAIK SUBEDAR CLK(S) BALESHWAR RAM AND ORS.

1989 INSC 332Appeal(s) allowed

Three army personnel were tried by a General Court Martial for theft, convicted, sentenced and dismissed from service. They challenged the conviction and dismissal before the Guwahati High Court, which set aside both on the ground that the trial violated Rule 22 of the Army Rules, 1954, which …

LT. COL. K.D. GUPTAversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

1988 INSC 113Case Partly allowed

Lt. Colonel K.D. Gupta, a permanent commission officer, was repeatedly subjected to psychiatric examinations that led to his medical category being downgraded from Shape‑I to Shape‑II and treated as a Major, despite no formal order reducing his rank. He challenged these actions before the Supreme …

VIDYA PRAKASHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

1988 INSC 39Dismissed

Vidya Prakash, a soldier in the Indian Army, was dismissed after being found guilty of being absent without leave by a summary court‑martial convened by his corps Commanding Officer, Major P.S. Mahant. He challenged the dismissal, contending that the Commanding Officer was not competent to preside …

AJIT KUMAR, ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS ETC.

1987 INSC 347Dismissed

The petitioners, convicted by a General Court Martial under the Army Act, 1950 and sentenced to imprisonment, were lodged in civil jails and sought to set off the period of their pre‑trial detention against the term of imprisonment under section 428 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The jail …

RANJIT THAKURversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1987 INSC 285Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a signalman in the Indian Army, was serving a 28‑day rigorous imprisonment when he was charged under Section 41(2) of the Army Act for refusing to eat food on a superior's order. A Summary Court‑Martial, presided over by the commanding officer who had previously punished him, …

UNION OF INDIA THROUGH MAJOR GENERAL H.C. PATHAKversusMAJOR S.K. SHARMA

1987 INSC 164Dismissed

The case arose when Major S.K. Sharma complained before a Judicial Magistrate that Colonel Ali and Brigadier Randhawa had assaulted him, leading the Magistrate to take cognizance under the Criminal Procedure Code and issue summons. The Union of India moved to have the matter transferred to the Army …

AJMER SINGH ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

1987 INSC 142Dismissed

The appellants, convicted by a General Court‑Martial under the Army Act, sought the benefit of Section 428 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which allows set‑off of detention time during investigation, inquiry or trial against the term of imprisonment. The Supreme Court examined whether the CrPC …

CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF AND OTHERSversusMAJOR DHARAM PAL KUKRETY

1985 INSC 65Appeal(s) allowed

Major D.P. Kukrety, a commissioned officer of the Indian Army, was tried by a general court‑martial for alleged misconduct in November 1975. The court‑martial found him not guilty, but the finding was sent back for revision and remained unconfirmed. The Chief of the Army Staff then issued a …

R. VISWAN & OTHERSversusUNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

1983 INSC 60Dismissed

The petitioners, members of the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), were convicted by Court‑Martial under section 63 of the Army Act, 1950 for participating in a protest and were dismissed from service. They challenged the constitutional validity of applying section 21 of the Army Act and …

LT. COL. PRITHI PAL SINGH BEDI ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

1982 INSC 65Dismissed

The Supreme Court heard three writ petitions under Article 32 challenging the constitutionality and legality of orders convening General Court‑Martials for Lt Col Prithipal Singh Bedi, Capt Dharam Pal Kukrety and Capt Chander Kumar Chopra. The petitioners argued that the composition of the …