Tribune News Service

Lucknow, May 14

Taking a serious view of concealment of facts in a case of promotion of a Brigadier, the Regional Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal has imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh on the Central government, Chief of Army Staff and the military secretary.The order was passed by a Division Bench of Justice Devi Prasad Singh (judicial member) and Air Marshal Anil Chopra (administrative member) yesterday.A fine of Rs 5 lakh has also been imposed on the original applicant, NK Mehta, for concealment of facts. It has asked the respondents and the applicant to deposit the amount to the Tribunal within two months, which shall be remitted to the Army Centre Welfare Fund.The order adds that after due inquiry, fine should be recovered from the salary or pension of the people who are held accountable for the entire episode.Brig Mehta had filed an application challenging the result of the selection process for the rank of Major General held on October 13-14, 2011, which had recommended the name of Major General RS Rathore.The result was then declassified and declared on June 20, 2012, which was challenged by the applicant.The Tribunal’s order observed that the applicant was not entitled to any relief as he had concealed facts in connivance with the respondents, owing to which the probity of system and standard of selection process could not be maintained.

Applicant, too, fined for concealing facts

• Regional Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the original applicant,Brig NK Mehta, for concealment of facts
• Brig Mehta had challenged the result of the selection process for Major General held in 2011, in which the name of Major General RS Rathore was recommended
• The Tribunal’s order observed that the applicant was not entitled to any relief as he had concealed facts in connivance with the respondent