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Quiet courage of Poonch
As the dust settles on the May 7 destruction, how long can a nation turn its back on those who stand at its edges, absorbing shocks of every geopolitical tremor?
Kanwal Singh
There are places where you find your sense of belonging. For me, that place is Poonch —a living archive of loss, endurance and courage. From 1947 to 2025, it has been witness to wars, displacement and militancy. Yet, Poonch continues to be relegated to the footnotes of history and, despite its strategic location, remains absent from policy conversations.
In 1947, the region didn’t just lose territory; it lost people, identity and continuity. Families were divided across the Line of Control — between Poonch and Haveli, Sadhnoti, Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. The pain endured by this remote region is neither fully understood by the wider world, nor by the journalists who reported from the area last month for the first time — most of them unfamiliar with its layered history and the harsh realities of life along the borders with Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The LoC is so close to the city that, on clear nights, the lights from homes in PoJK are visible. It is a daily reminder of how fragile and exposed this land is — both militarily and emotionally.
Poonch is a land of saints known for its beauty, its rivers, valleys, and mountains, but more importantly, for its pluralism and peaceful coexistence. It is where my mother was born and where my grandparents once lived before being displaced from their ancestral home in PoJK in 1947.
Through the toughest times in history, the people of Poonch and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir have held on to their land. Even after facing displacement and deep suffering, they remained as steadfast as the mountains that surround them.
All my life, I heard stories from my grandparents about the Partition and the tragic events that unfolded in Poonch, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad in 1947. They spoke of families forced to flee, homes abandoned overnight, lives torn apart by loss and separation. I never imagined that nearly eight decades later, I would witness a similar tragedy unfold.
On the night of May 7, as India launched Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated by targeting the main city and civilians of Poonch. Artillery rained down on the towns and hamlets while people were asleep. The shelling claimed the lives of 14 civilians and forced nearly 10,000 persons to leave their homes.
The announcement of a ceasefire on May 10 brought a fragile sense of relief, but for many families, it marked the beginning of a long, painful journey back to broken houses, shattered rooftops.
Though the world has moved on, as it always does, for the people of Poonch — especially the women — life has been shattered in ways that may never fully heal. Perhaps, the greatest wound is not just the destruction, but how disconnected we are to the human cost of conflict.
I went to meet families displaced from Poonch — families that had taken refuge at Gurdwara Chand Kaur Sahib in Jammu. While sharing a langar meal, I sat listening to a woman and her children from Mankote village recount their journey to Jammu. Her voice trembled with exhaustion and quiet strength: “For how long will the people of Poonch be uprooted like this? Will there ever be a place we can truly call home?” Her question lingers.
Many in her village chose to stay behind despite the danger and help each other. It was in that very village, Mankote, where Ruby Kaur lost her life to the shelling.
That moment evoked a powerful image from my grandfather’s memoirs of 1947 — refugees from Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Sadhnoti, Poonch and adjoining areas boarding Dakota planes at the Poonch airfield in 1947, leaving behind their land, their lives, their everything.
Days after the ceasefire was announced, families displaced from Poonch have begun to return. But what they’ve come back to is no longer home — only fragments of the lives they once knew. The walls are cracked, the roofs gone.
Lecturer Manjeet Singh and his wife, a government school teacher, were sitting in their living room when a shell hit their terrace. They narrowly escaped and fled to safety in the chaos. When Manjeet returned days later, he found part of his house reduced to rubble.
Though a committee has been formed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess the damage, real relief may take months to reach. And time is something these families don’t have.
A painful photograph by Nazim Ali Manhas captures the quiet devastation: a woman sitting alone in the ruins of her kitchen — a place which once served food, warmth and love now charred and empty. Across Poonch, there are countless such stories — families who went to bed with a roof over their heads and woke up with nothing. And yet, they’ve returned. Not just to claim what’s left of their homes, but to reclaim their sense of dignity. According to preliminary reports, more than 500 homes have been fully or partially damaged. Soon, the headlines will fade, and attention will shift. But before that happens, I ask you to pause, hold space for these stories. Remember the children who will never grow up, and the mothers who now cradle memories instead of little ones.
One question bothers me: how could we overlook the obvious? Poonch, surrounded on three sides by PoJK, has always been a strategically sensitive zone. Any precise strike on terror camps across the border was bound to provoke retaliation. And yet, there was no warning and advisory issued for the public.
This wasn’t the first time Poonch has witnessed the fury of artillery fire — it happened during the 1971 and 1965 wars. In 2018, the Centre announced the construction of over 15,000 underground bunkers to protect civilians in border areas of J&K. Today, most of these exist only on paper.
The recent shelling has brutally laid bare the long-standing neglect of border communities in J&K. Hospitals are ill-equipped to handle emergencies, and the majority of those critically injured in the shelling were referred to Jammu.
Also, on the day when it mattered most, the administration was not prepared to deal with such a situation. People were left to fend for themselves. Civil society and local NGOs from Poonch came forward to provide shelter and food.
The story of Poonch is of quiet courage — of people who have endured decades of loss with resilience that rarely finds a place in our national conscience. Their suffering is not just collateral damage; it is the lived reality of those who guard India’s frontiers not with weapons, but with willpower.
As the dust settles over shattered homes and silenced courtyards, we must ask: how long can a nation turn its back on those who stand at its edges, absorbing the shocks of every geopolitical tremor?
— The writer is a columnist from J&K
राष्ट्रपति ने सशस्त्र बलों के 92 कर्मियों को प्रदान किए विशिष्ट सेवा पुरस्कार, सेवानिवृत्त अधिकारी भी सम्मानित
राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने सशस्त्र बलों के 92 वरिष्ठ कर्मियों को विशिष्ट सेवा पुरस्कार प्रदान किए। इनमें परम विशिष्ट सेवा पदक उत्तम युद्ध सेवा पदक और अति विशिष्ट सेवा पदक शामिल हैं। पुरस्कार पाने वालों में तीनों सेनाओं के सेवारत और सेवानिवृत्त अधिकारी शामिल थे। उपराष्ट्रपति जगदीप धनखड़ और रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह भी इस अवसर पर उपस्थित थे।
आईएएनएस, नई दिल्ली। राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने बुधवार को राष्ट्रपति भवन में आयोजित रक्षा अलंकरण समारोह-द्वितीय में सशस्त्र बलों के 92 वरिष्ठ कर्मियों को विशिष्ट सेवा पुरस्कार प्रदान किए। पुरस्कार प्राप्त करने वालों में तीनों सेनाओं के सेवारत और सेवानिवृत्त अधिकारी शामिल थे, जिनमें 30 को शांति के समय विशिष्ट सेवा के लिए सर्वोच्च पुरस्कार परम विशिष्ट सेवा पदक (पीवीएसएम) और पांच को उत्तम युद्ध सेवा पदक (यूवाईएसएम) प्रदान किया गया, जो संघर्ष के दौरान विशिष्ट सेवा के लिए दूसरा सर्वोच्च पुरस्कार है।
शेष 57 को अति विशिष्ट सेवा पदक (एवीएसएम) से सम्मानित किया गया, जो शांति के समय में विशिष्ट सेवा के लिए दूसरा सर्वोच्च पुरस्कार है। इस अवसर पर उपराष्ट्रपति जगदीप धनखड़ और रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह भी मौजूद थे।
कई लोगों को मिले विशिष्ट सेवा पदक
परम विशिष्ट सेवा पदक प्राप्तकर्ताओं में पश्चिमी कमान प्रमुख लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल मनोज कुमार कटियार, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल धीरज सेठ, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल अनिंद्य सेनगुप्ता, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल देवेंद्र शर्मा, नवनियुक्त अंडमान और निकोबार कमान प्रमुख और पूर्व रक्षा खुफिया प्रमुख लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल दिनेश सिंह राणा, उत्तरी कमान प्रमुख लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल प्रतीक शर्मा, वाइस एडमिरल संजय जसजीत सिंह, वाइस एडमिरल सूरज बेरी, भारतीय वायुसेना के उप प्रमुख एयर मार्शल नर्मदेश्वर तिवारी, एयर मार्शल बालकृष्णन मणिकांतन और दक्षिण-पश्चिमी वायु कमान प्रमुख एयर मार्शल नागेश कपूर शामिल थे।
सैन्य संचालन महानिदेशक लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राजीव घई, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल जुबिन ए. मिनवाला, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल हितेश भल्ला, एयर मार्शल सुजीत पुष्पाकर धारकर (सेवानिवृत्त) और एयर मार्शल पंकज मोहन सिन्हा (सेवानिवृत्त) को उत्तम युद्ध सेवा पदक से सम्मानित किया गया।
अति विशिष्ट सेवा पदक विजेताओं में लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल पुष्पेंद्र पाल सिंह, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल विजय भास्करन नायर, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राहुल राघवेंद्र सिंह, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल साधना एस. नायर, वीएसएम, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल श्रृंजय प्रताप सिंह, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राजगोपाल चेलामणि श्रीकांत, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल दिव्य गौरव मिश्रा, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल शिविंदर सिंह, लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल देविंदर पाल सिंह, वाइस एडमिरल लोचन सिंह पठानिया, वाइस एडमिरल राजेश धनखड़, एयर मार्शल वेंकटरमण राजशेखर, मेजर जनरल हर्ष छिब्बर, मेजर जनरल एम. खालिद जकी, मेजर जनरल राजवंत सिंह, मेजर जनरल बलबीर सिंह, रियर एडमिरल संदीप मेहता, एयर वाइस मार्शल अजय कुमार पान, एयर वाइस मार्शल वेनिगल्ला श्रीनिवास चौधरी और एयर वाइस मार्शल मनीष सहदेव शामिल हैं।
Lieutenant Colonel Found In Hotel: सागर से लापता लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल प्रदीप कुमार निगम ललितपुर में मिले हैं। वह होटल के एक कमरे में मिले हैं। एटीएम से ट्रांजैक्शन होने के बाद उनका सुराग मिला है।
सागर: महार रेजीमेंट सेंटर (MRC) सागर में पदस्थ लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल प्रदीप कुमार निगम चार दिन से लापता थे। वे गुरुवार को मिल गए हैं। बताया जा रहा है कि कैंट थाना पुलिस और सेना विजिलेंस को वे यूपी के ललितपुर में मिले हैं, जहां वे एक होटल में किराए से कमरा लेकर रुके थे। पुलिस उन्हें सकुशल सागर ले आई है। उनके लापता होने से लेकर अब तक के बीच क्या हुआ इस मामले में उनसे पूछताछ चल रही है। सागर पुलिस के वरिष्ठ अधिकारी ने लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल निगम के मिलने की पुष्टि की है।
मॉर्निंग वॉक पर निकले तो गायब
सोमवार सुबह मॉर्निंग वॉक पर निकले महार रेजिमेंट सेंटर (MRC) में पदस्थ लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल प्रदीप कुमार निगम अचानक गायब हो गए थे। सेना ने पहले अपने स्तर पर उन्हें तलाश किया था। जब नहीं मिले तो शाम को कैंट थाने में इसकी सूचना देकर उनके लापता होने की शिकायत दर्ज कराई गई थी। लापता लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल अपना मोबाइल फोन घर पर छोड़ गए थे। आशंका जताई जा रही थी कि उनके साथ कोई अनहोनी न घट गई हो! लेकिन भगवान का शुक्र रहा कि कोई घटना नहीं घटी।
एटीएम कार्ड के ट्रांजैक्शन से पकड़े गए
पुलिस को उनके एटीएम कार्ड से ललितपुर के एक इलाके में पैसे निकाले जाने की जानकारी मिली तो तत्काल पुलिस एक्शन में आ गई और टीम ललितपुर पहुंच गई। यहां थोड़ी मशक्कत के बाद लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल निगम एक होटल में मिल गए। वे उक्त होटल में किराए से कमरा लेकर रूके हुए थे। पुलिस अधिकारी और टीम उन्हें सकुशल सागर लेकर आ गई है। कैंट थाने में उनके साथ बीते चार दिन में घटी घटनाओं और उनके ललितपुर पहुंचने को लेकर पूछताछ कर रही है।
ललितपुर कैसे पहुंचा नहीं पता
पुलिस सूत्रों के अनुसार पूछताछ में शुरूआती तौर पर उन्होंने बताया है कि मुझे होश ही नहीं है कि मैं ललितपुर कैसे पहुंच गया। उनकी पत्नी सहित परिवार के सदस्य और सेना के अधिकारी कैंट थाने पहुंच गए हैं। लापता हुए निगम जिन कपड़ों में गायब हुए थे, वे उन्हीं कपड़ों में पुलिस को मिले हैं। पुलिस और सेना के अफसर उनके हर एंगल को ध्यान में रखते हुए पूछताछ कर रहे हैं।
गौरतलब है कि उन्हें खोजने के लिए सेना और पुलिस ने एमआरसी के आसपास के इलाके सहित कैंट थाना क्षेत्र के सभी सीसीटीवी फुटेज खंगाले थे। आर्मी इंटेलिजेंस और पुलिस भी सक्रिय थी। परिजन और सेना ने सोशल मीडिया के माध्यम से भी उनको तलाशने का प्रयास किया था।
Meet Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair: First Woman DG Medical Services (Army)
In a groundbreaking achievement for gender representation in the Indian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history by becoming the first woman to assume the role of Director General Medical Services (Army). This prestigious appointment, effective from August 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone not only for Lt Gen Nair but also for women in the military, showcasing the evolving landscape of gender roles within the defence sector.
Early Life and Education
Academic Foundations
Born into a family with a rich military legacy, Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair’s journey began with her education at St. Mary’s Convent in Prayagraj and later at Loreto Convent in Lucknow. Her academic prowess led her to the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, where she graduated with distinction. This institution is renowned for producing some of the finest medical professionals in the country, and Lt Gen Nair’s achievements there set the stage for her illustrious career.
Pic: Director General Medical Services Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Specialized Training
Beyond her medical degree, Lt Gen Nair has pursued further education, earning a postgraduate degree in Family Medicine and diplomas in Maternal and Child Health and Health Care Management. She also completed a two-year training program in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her specialized training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, as well as Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces.
Military Career
Commissioning and Early Roles
Commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985, Lt Gen Nair quickly distinguished herself in various capacities. Her early career saw her serve as the Principal Medical Officer for both the Western Air Command and the Training Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF). These roles not only showcased her leadership skills but also her ability to navigate the complexities of military medicine.
Pioneering Achievements
Before her current appointment, Lt Gen Nair made history as the first woman to hold the position of Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) upon her promotion to the rank of Air Marshal. This role involved overseeing the medical services for all branches of the armed forces, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in military medicine.
The Role of Director General Medical Services (Army)
Responsibilities and Impact
As the Director General Medical Services (Army), Lt Gen Nair is tasked with overseeing the medical care and health services for army personnel. This includes ensuring that soldiers receive the best possible medical attention, managing medical facilities, and implementing health policies that align with the needs of the armed forces. Her leadership in this role is expected to enhance the overall health and readiness of the army.
Vision for the Future
Lt Gen Nair’s vision for the medical services includes a focus on integrating advanced medical technologies and improving mental health support for soldiers. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by military personnel, she aims to foster an environment where health and wellness are prioritized, ultimately contributing to the effectiveness of the armed forces.
Recognition and Awards
Commendations for Service
Throughout her career, Lt Gen Nair has received numerous accolades for her exemplary service. She has been honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded by the President of India, recognizing her distinguished service in the armed forces. Additionally, she has received commendations from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command and the Chief of the Air Staff, further underscoring her contributions to military medicine.
Contributions to Policy
In addition to her operational roles, Lt Gen Nair was nominated as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, which played a crucial role in drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy (NEP). Her insights and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the future of medical education in India.
Legacy and Influence
Breaking Barriers
Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair’s appointment as the first woman DG Medical Services (Army) is not just a personal achievement; it represents a significant shift in the military’s approach to gender inclusivity. Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female officers and medical professionals, demonstrating that barriers can be broken with determination and hard work.
A Role Model for Future Generations
As a leader, Lt Gen Nair embodies the qualities of resilience, dedication, and excellence. Her journey encourages young women to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men, particularly in the armed forces. By sharing her experiences and insights, she aims to empower the next generation of female leaders in the military and beyond.
The Importance of Gender Inclusivity in the Armed Forces
Evolving Perspectives
The appointment of women in key leadership roles within the armed forces reflects a broader societal change towards gender equality. As more women take on significant positions, the military benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences, ultimately enhancing its operational effectiveness.
Enhancing Operational Readiness
Research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative and effective. By integrating women into leadership roles, the armed forces can leverage a wider range of skills and viewpoints, leading to improved decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
Challenges Ahead
Navigating Gender Bias
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Lt Gen Nair acknowledges that gender bias can still exist within the military environment. Addressing these biases requires ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive culture that values contributions from all personnel, regardless of gender.
Balancing Responsibilities
As a leader, Lt Gen Nair faces the challenge of balancing her professional responsibilities with personal commitments. Her ability to navigate these demands serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication, inspiring others to find their own balance in demanding careers.
Conclusion
Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair’s appointment as the first woman Director General Medical Services (Army) is a historic achievement that paves the way for future generations of women in the military. Her journey reflects the changing landscape of gender roles within the armed forces and serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders. As she takes on this pivotal role, Lt Gen Nair is poised to make a lasting impact on military medicine and the broader defence community.
Ojit Singh is Army’s 1st Command Subedar Major, to advise Northern Command chief on JCO, OR matters
Subedar Major Ojit Singh has been appointed as the first Command Subedar Major (Comd SM), Army’s Northern Command | By Special Arrangement
New Delhi: Subedar Major Ojit Singh has been appointed as the first Command Subedar Major (Comd SM) of the Indian Army, a post reflecting the growing recognition of the vital role that the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs) essay in evolution of the force.
The appointment of Comd SM Singh from 3 Assam Regiment was made Monday by Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, in Udhampur.
This newly instituted position follows a directive by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who ordered the creation of Command Subedar Major posts across all Army Commands, including at the COAS-level. The Northern Command is the among the seven commands of the Indian Army.
The initiative is said to draw inspiration from the Senior Sergeant Major (SMA) structure used in Western militaries. Like the SMA, the Comd SM’s role is intended to establish a formal communication channel between the Army’s senior leadership and its JCOs and ORs, who make up the core of the force.
Comd SM Singh, an Army officer said, will serve in an advisory role to the Army commander on matters related to JCOs and ORs. This advisory function is similar to that of the Colonel Military Secretary (Col MS), who manages officer-level issues. His inputs will be key in shaping policy, morale, training standards, and personnel welfare from the ground up.
In addition to advisory responsibilities, the Comd SM will have a role in operational reviews. He will accompany the Army commander during visits to units and formations and will conduct dedicated interactions with JCOs and ORs to assess on-ground realities and communicate them back to the command leadership.
The officer added the role is purely advisory and does not include administrative responsibilities to the Army commander. Further, the tenure is set at two years, extendable to three.
“The appointment followed a rigorous interview process personally overseen by the previous Army commander. The Infantry Directorate (Inf-6) issued the final posting order for Subedar Major Ojit Singh, who was chosen from a panel of shortlisted JCOs,” the officer said.
According to the Army, this appointment is expected to institutionalise stronger trust and coordination between the Army’s top brass and field units, particularly in strategically vital areas under the Northern Command.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) already has a comparable structure in place, with the Master Warrant Officer (MWO) acting as a conduit between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers, primarily on technical and personnel matters. MWOs are also recognised to influence decisions related to squadron operations and management.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
AFT remits dismissal of Colonel for having affair to two years’ loss of seniority
A court of inquiry was convened to investigate the allegations, following which he was charged under Section 45 of the Army Act for behaving in a manner unbecoming his position and the character expected of him
The Armed Forces Tribunal has reduced the sentence of a Colonel who was dismissed from service by a General Court Martial (GCM) for having an improper relationship with a junior officer’s wife to loss of two years’ past service for the purpose of pension and a severe reprimand.
Adultery in armed forces: Why it remains a disciplinary offence
The sentence of loss of service and reprimand was originally handed down to the Colonel, but was later enhanced to dismissal after the GCM’s convening authority asked the court to revise its findings on review of the proceedings.
The Tribunal’s Chandigarh Bench comprising Justice Sudhir Mittal and Lt Gen Ranbir Singh held that no reasons whatsoever have been given by the GCM on imposing a higher sentence and the GCM could have chosen to order dismissal by considering the revisional order to be a direction to pass such a sentence.
The officer had averred before the Tribunal that there were procedural infirmities during the entire process and the findings of the GCM were perverse as the evidence on record did not support them. He had also claimed that revisional order was illegal as the confirming authority had exceeded its jurisdiction by issuing directions that usurped the GCM’s authority.
The officer was posted at Bathinda military station when he allegedly got into an improper relationship with the wife of a Lieutenant Colonel posted in the same office. He had been caught late night with the lady in her house while her husband was away. A complaint in this regard was made to the higher authorities.
A court of inquiry was convened to investigate the allegations, following which he was charged under Section 45 of the Army Act for behaving in a manner unbecoming his position and the character expected of him. It carries a maximum sentence of cashiering from service.
In November 2018, the GCM awarded two years’ loss of seniority and reprimand to the Colonel and then in March 2019, re-assembled and after “attentively considering the observations of the confirming authority”, revoked the earlier sentence and ordered dismissal from service.
“In view of the above, the sentence of dismissal from service is remitted in whole and is replaced with the earlier sent found by the GCM to be commensurate with the gravity of the offence,” the Bench ruled in their order of May 30.
The Bench added that since the officer has now crossed the age of superannuation, he shall not be reinstated, but will be notionally treated to be in service up to the date of his actual retirement and will be paid pension and other benefits accordingly.
Adultery in armed forces: Why it remains a disciplinary offence
In the Acts of the three services, the term ‘adultery’ is not used and within the armed forces the offence is described as ‘stealing the affections of a fellow brother’s wife’
In a recent judgement, the Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal has reduced the sentence of a Colonel, dismissed from service by a General Court-Martial (GCM) for having an improper relationship with a junior officer’s wife, to loss of two years’ past service for the purpose of pension and a severe reprimand.
In civilian parlance, the act is known as “adultery”, but in the vocabulary of the Indian armed forces, it is still referred to in quaint and antiquated terms, like “stealing the affections of a brother officer’s wife”.
Although “adultery” was removed from the statute books in 2018, following a Supreme Court order, which means it is no longer a crime, it continues to be a punishable offence in the armed forces, ostensibly because of the adverse effect it may have on discipline and morale.
AFT remits dismissal of Colonel for having affair to two years’ loss of seniority
The sentence of loss of service and reprimand was originally handed down to the Colonel, tried under Section 45 of the Army Act, but was later enhanced to dismissal after the GCM’s convening authority asked the court to revise its findings on review of the proceedings.
The bench observed that no reasons whatsoever have been given by the GCM on imposing a higher sentence and the GCM could have chosen to order dismissal by considering the revisional order to be a direction to pass such a sentence.
What is a General Court-Martial (GCM)?
In the Indian Armed Forces, a General Court-Martial is an ad hoc court assembled to try erring personnel for various offences under the Army, Air Force or Navy Act. The GCM has the powers and jurisdiction of a sessions court and can award any punishment, including the sentence to death. Any person subject to these acts can be tried by a GCM.
There are detailed legal provisions, rules and instructions on conducting trials by court martial. Besides a GCM, there are other types of court martial like Summary General Court-Martial (SGCM), District Court-Martial (DCM) and Summary Court-Martial (SCM). An SGCM is a GCM held under field conditions such as a war zone or operational areas like Kashmir. DCM and SCM are for trying personnel below officer rank for less serious charges.
A court martial is convened after a court of inquiry and subsequent procedures like hearing of charge and recording of summary of evidence are able to establish wrongdoing and prima facie a case is made out for disciplinary action against those deemed to be blameworthy.
A GCM consists of five or seven members and is headed by a presiding officer who is at least one rank senior to the accused. The other members are of equal to or senior in rank to the accused, but cannot be junior. The rationale behind the GCM is that a person accused of wrong doing is to be tried and adjudged by his peers.
Members of a court martial are nominated by senior commanders based on availability. The proceedings are conducted by the judge-advocate, an officer from the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Department, the forces’ legal branch, who may be the sole legally qualified person who advises the court on legal and administrative nuances and maintains a record of the proceedings.
Both the prosecution and the defence in a court martial are entitled to legal counsel for presenting their case. Examination and cross-examination of the accused and witnesses are conducted as in a civilian court. Once a court martial pronounces its sentence, it has to be confirmed by the court’s convening authority, which may accept it or seek a reconsideration depending on the review of the proceedings by JAG Department. It is only after confirmation by the convening authority that the sentence, which can be challenged in the AFT, high court and Supreme Court, is promulgated.
What is Section 45 of the Army Act?
This section deals with unbecoming conduct. It states, “Any officer, junior commissioned officer or warrant officer who behaves in a manner unbecoming his position and the character expected of him shall, on conviction by court-martial, if he is an officer, be liable to be cashiered or to suffer such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned; and, if he is a junior commissioned officer or a warrant officer, be liable to be dismissed or to suffer such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.”
Acts such as adultery, illicit relations ort moral turpitude come under the purview of this Section. Another provision, Section 63, which deals with violation of good order and military discipline can also be included with the charges.
Adultery in the armed forces
While adultery, per se, is no longer a crime under the Indian laws since 2018 following Supreme Court directives, it is treated differently in the armed forces because such acts can have a demoralising and detrimental effect on moral and discipline.
The armed forces have a peculiar hierarchy, ethos and working conditions, where strong moral character and camaraderie of a high order is expected from those in uniform. Activities not considered to be in sync with such requirements would lead to loss of confidence in comrades, a potentially damaging situation.
In the Acts of the three services, the term ‘adultery’ is not used and within the armed forces the offence is described as “stealing the affections of a fellow brother’s wife”. The armed forces view such acts of omission and commission very seriously and strict action is initiated where such cases come to light. There have been a number of cases in the past where personnel have been dismissed on this account.
55 yrs after discharge, 80-yr-old ex-serviceman gets pension
Had joined Sikh Regiment in 1961
About 55 years after he was discharge from the Army, an 80-year-old ex-serviceman has been sanctioned pension after judicial intervention ofthe Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). Gurpal Singh, a resident of Kharar, had joined the Sikh Regiment in 1961 and was discharged in 1970 after completion of nine year’s regular service.
According to the terms of engagement, he was required to complete seven years of regular service and be on reserve service for the next eight years, but was not permitted to continue on account of non-availability of vacancies and discharged without pension.
His case was taken up by the Ex-Servicemen’s Grievances Cell, Mohali, and a case was filed before the Chandigarh Bench of the AFT in 2018. The Army initially cited non-availability of old records, but later produced a service long roll. After vehement arguments, the AFT also condoned the delay in filing the case.
Speaking to mediapersons here today, Col SS Sohi (retd), president of the cell, said that the Army was duty bound to permit the soldier to complete service for 15 years as he had changed his position pursuant to a representation made by them. They could not take a different stand later to deny him the benefit of pension.
The AFT’s Bench observed that it was evident that a person who is engaged on the basis of a representation that he would be made to serve for 15 years, but subsequently discharged earlier on account of non-availability of vacancy, is entitled to the benefit of principle of “promissory estoppel”.
View More Ruling that the petitioner is entitled to grant of reservist pension from the date of his discharge, the Bench gave directions that his pension payment order be issued within three months, though the arrears for the same would, as per law, be restricted to three years prior to the date of filing the petition.
Indian Navy set to commission first ASW-SWC ship ‘Arnala’ on June 18
It is equipped to conduct subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations
Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service
The Indian Navy is all set to commission the first of the next-generation ships capable of detecting enemy submarines in shallow waters.
The Navy is getting 16 such ships being made at a cost of nearly Rs 13,000 crore. The public sector shipyards Cochin Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, have been contracted to manufacture eight ships each. GRSE has entered into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with L&T Shipbuilders to produce the ships.
The ‘Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), the first of the lot, called ‘Arnala’ – constructed by GRSE — will be commissioned on June 18, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan.
Named after the historic Arnala Fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, the warship reflects India’s rich maritime heritage.
The Indian Navy said “the ship is designed to have a formidable presence at sea. Its robust construction and advanced capabilities ensure that it can withstand the challenges of the maritime domain, safeguarding India’s waters from emerging threats”.
The Arnala is equipped to conduct subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations. This 77.6 m long warship — with a gross tonnage of over 1,490 tonnes — is designed for a range of ASW operations and is the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
The commissioning of Arnala will mark a transformative moment in India’s naval capabilities, strengthening coastal defence and reaffiliate India’s position as a self-reliant maritime power in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.
The warship incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content and integrates advanced systems from leading Indian defence firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL.
The project has engaged over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promoting domestic industry and generating related economic activity.
