Delhi High Court Upholds Army Officer's Termination Over Religious Exemptions

The court opined that the petitioner kept his religion above the lawful command from his superior, and disobedience was an offence under the Army Act

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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has upheld the termination of services of a Christian army officer over his consistent refusal to fully participate in the weekly regimental religious parades and said the armed forces were united by their uniform rather than being divided by their religion.

A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur rejected the petition by the Indian Army Lieutenant, who served as a "Troop Leader" of a squadron, against the termination order passed on March 3, 2021, that dismissed him from the Indian Army without pension and gratuity.

The court opined that the petitioner kept his religion above the lawful command from his superior, and disobedience was an offence under the Army Act.