Court-martial proceedings against Brigadier quashed

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 9

The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has quashed the court-martial proceedings against a Brigadier who was accused of alleged irregularities in procuring furniture and ordered that his result for promotion to the rank of Major General be declassified and if found fit, he be promoted to the next rank.

The AFT Bench comprising Justice Sunil Hali and Air Marshal JN Burma held that based on the evidence produced in the court, the allegations contained in the chargesheet, even if they are taken on their face value, did not make out a case against the officer.

Brig HK Arora was posted as Chief Engineer, Delhi Zone, and was tasked with the procurement of furniture for the Married Accommodation Project. An anonymous complaint alleging irregularities in the tendering process was received by the Army, following which a Technical Board of Officers (TBO) was convened to investigate the issue. The Western Command Headquarters also ordered a court of inquiry (COI) into the matter.

The officer was ordered to be tried by a General Court Martial and eight charges were levelled against him under Sections 52 and 63 for intent to defraud and act prejudicial to good order and military discipline.