Armed forces Tribunal slams Lt Gen Avdhesh Prakash, prime accused in Sukhna land scam
Armed forces Tribunal slams Lt Gen Avdhesh Prakash, prime accused in Sukhna land scam
Gone are the days when corruption was the exclusive domain of civilians. The Army has already marched into
the bastion of the desperate and with a bang.
It is taking a toll not just on the image of the institution as a whole but even the decorations, awards and medals are losing the sheen, as top generals are being tried for petty corruption.
Military decorations like Ati Vishisht Sewa Medal (AVSM) and Param Vishisht Sewa Medal (PVSM) are no guarantee for honesty. It is not the growing public perception but an observation by the Armed Forces Tribunal.
Justice AK Mathur who heads the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) also made a similar statement on Thursday while hearing a petition filed by the former military secretary Lieutenant General Avdhesh Prakash.
While hearing a petition filed by advocate Jyoti Singh who appeared on behalf of Lt Gen Prakash, Justice Mathur observed: "Your AVSM and PVSM do not make you a holy cow." Justice Mathur made the remark when advocate Jyoti Singh made a reference of Lieutenant General Avdesh Prakash and his decorations like AVSM and PVSM.
Lt General Prakash is facing court martial in Sukna land scam but has sought quashing of disciplinary action against him by citing violation of the Army Act. Singh said the statements of 14 witnesses related to the case were recorded in absence of Lt Gen Prakash. She further added Lt General Prakash should have been given the opportunity to cross- examine the witnesses.
Singh further pointed out the army's decision to initiate disciplinary action against Lt Gen Prakash when the army chief had already prescribed administrative action against him. "It's against the Army Act and its policy that the army chief after prescribing administrative action has ordered disciplinary action against Lt Gen Prakash," she said before the court.
Singh also questioned the sudden change in stand by the army chief under which he ordered disciplinary action amounting to court martial during weekends and on Republic Day.
Justice Mathur while listening the arguments stated the army chief has the right to change policies depending upon the merit of the case. Singh, later demanded the documents to be produced before the court that led to the 'sudden change of heart.'
