Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, August 16The Supreme Court today ruled that the Army had taken “suitable action” against about 75 officers for their involvement in the illegal sale of prohibited weapons to criminals and the general public.A three-member Bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur also refused to issue any guidelines to the Army to prevent such sale, observing that the Arms Act and its rules and Defence Services Regulations were adequate to ensure that.The Bench, which included Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, however advised the authorities to ensure that the mechanism for the sale of such weapons was “under strict scrutiny and supervision”.The court noted that 25 officers involved in importing ammunition in excess of authorisation had been awarded “severe displeasure”, while 12 others were subjected to administrative action that resulted in similar punishment.The court expressed the confidence that adequate action would be taken against others facing similar charges.