TODAY -

The Supreme Court dismisses plea of the Army in favour of a serving Brigadier LI Singh

Ningombam Bupenda Meitei *



The Apex Court dismisses Plea of the Army to stay orders of Armed Forces Tribunal in respect of a serving Brigadier who was instrumental in killing 52 Pak army personnel in Drass Sector.

According to I.A.NOS.1-2/2016 in Civil Appeal Diary No(s). 10819/2016 of the Supreme Court of India, the Special Leave Petition filed by the Army to lift the stay granted and restoration of original application of Brig L I Singh by the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), Principal Bench, New Delhi in Jan 2016 was dismissed on 25th April in the Apex court by the Chief Justice, TS Thakur on the ground that the Respondent (Brig L I Singh) took the right decision by filing Review Application at the AFT and did not approach the Apex Court directly after his writ petition was terminated in March 2015 due to lack of jurisdiction by the Delhi High Court because of an intervening judgement of the Apex court on a different matter.

The Chief Justice was critical against the plea of the Learned Additional Solicitor General, Maninder Singh, representing the Army, and he (the Chief Justice of India) said that “When you have not filed a reply to condonation of delay at the AFT, how do you justify there was inordinate delay? Moreover the Respondent filed the Review Petition at the Armed forces Tribunal, New Delhi within 30 days after its termination.” The Chief Justice also said, “You as the ASG expects to be liberal when there is long delay of nine months in filing Leave Petition by the Appellants, and expects us to be strict against the Respondent.”

The primary aim of the Army in filing the SLP against the interim orders of AFT of May 2015 and Jan 2016 is to lift the stay order of April, 2013 granted in favour of Brig Singh by Delhi High Court so that Brig L. I. Singh is prosecuted in a fabricated case so as to please some personnel holding influential positions in the Army. The double standard and hypocrisy is proven by the fact that when an adverse final judgement against the organisation was passed by the Ld. AFT in the case of Lt. Gen. P. K. Rath (Retd) vs Union of India and Ors, OA No 214/2012 on 14.09.2014, the Appellants did not choose to file an appeal in the Apex Court, so as to embarrass Gen (Retd) V K Singh (presently MoS External Affairs), whereas in the instant case they choose to do so, despite being only interim orders, thereby reinforcing vindictiveness of the Army against Brig Singh. Simultaneously, another agenda is to delay the finalisation of the case by the AFT to deny promotion and career growth to Brig Singh.

It is surprising that when the appeal against the AFT Orders was not recommended twice by the MoD (Ministry of Defence), Dy LA (Defence) and JS & LA (Def) in Oct 2015, how has it been recommended subsequently by the JAG Branch (Army) and Discipline and Vigilance Directorate, ignoring the advice of MoD and gone for the SLP through backtrack channel? This needs to be investigated as the motive appears to be to please someone in the Army holding influential positions who have masterminded the fabricated case against Brig Singh and also to delay early finalisation of the case in the AFT.

From the turn of events, available in public domain, which include the present dismissal of Appeal by the Army against Brig Singh by the Apex Court on April 25, the case is seen as a fabricated one as a vendetta against Brig Singh has he had coordinated delivery of show cause notices, imposition of vigilance ban, non-grant of vigilance clearance for promotions against Lt. Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag and two more senior officers of 3 Corps, as per legal provisions and under the directives of the then Army Chief, Gen. V K Singh. The official actions of Brig Singh hurt the ego of these senior officers and would obviously have perceived that official actions against them were due to wrong advice given by Brig Singh to the then Army Chief, when the truth was that he only acted in his official capacity as per legal provisions and on the orders of his superiors. He had no personal interest in the matter.

Immediately after a change of guard, as a vindictive action by personnel holding influential positions in the Army, taking advantage of Brigadier L. I. Singh’s earlier tenure as Commander of a Brigade in Sikkim, he was made to face an Inquiry in a fabricated case on most bizarre allegations of taking away two flower vases and two side carpets of 3x2 feet (2003 vintage) while moving on posting, without any complaints made by anyone, which was belatedly orchestrated behind his back to justify such predetermined actions, followed by a deliberate leak in the National print and electronic media on 19 June 2012. Completely against military norms, his photograph and name were published brazenly in the media even before initiation of an inquiry.

These publications were aimed to damage his reputation, to move him out from vigilance directorate which the authorities were not comfortable with and to nullify the coordinating follow up actions carried out by him while in vigilance directorate, beside to ruin his bright military career. Because of the above vindictive actions by these army personnel holding influential positions, Brig L I Singh filed an Application with the AFT in March 2013 for violations of Statutory Rules, principles of natural justice, mala fide and biasness amongst others.

The stand made by the Army that Lt Gen D.S Suhag became Army Commander Eastern Command only on June 19th 2012 and could not have influenced the case appears to be incorrect, because the Army environment was well aware that Suhag, while as GOC 3 Corps, would become Army Chief in 2014 as per line of succession, once the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India was pleased not to entertain application about the date of birth controversy of Gen. V. K. Singh on February 10th 2012.

It was also known that he would succeed Lt Gen (later Gen) Bikram Singh as Army Commander Eastern Command in June 2012, proven by the fact that during the promotion ban of Suhag, this appointment was kept vacant from June 1st 2012 till it was filled up by Suhag, post lifting the said ban by Bikram Singh after he assumed as the 27th Army Chief on June 1st 2012. Thus, the subordinate officers, for their career growth, were more than willing to oblige Suhag in manufacturing a case against Brig Singh.

L I Singh is a recipient of Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) for his service in the face of enemy during Operation PARAKRAM and Operation RAKSHAK in Drass Sector, presently holding the rank of Brigadier after having served since 1983 as an Infantry Officer of the highest caliber with an impeccable and unblemished service record. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and had unique distinction of serving two tenures during initial skirmishes with the Pakistanis (most difficult period) in Siachen Glacier (Operation Meghdoot) in 1985-86 and 1990-92.

He commanded 13 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in Drass Sector (J&K) during Operation Parakram, during which, besides causing enormous destruction to enemy personnel and habitat, his battalion occupied six new posts under extreme hostile conditions, including Point 5608, a formidable feature overlooking Shingo Valley ( in Pakistan). His unit was awarded Unit Citation and Unit Appreciation on Army Day 2004 and 2005, a rare distinction; besides earning 64 individual gallantry awards by his troops.

Beside personnel, holding influential positions in the Army responsible for this fabricated case, even our arch enemy Pakistani Army must be giving a wicked smile after learning that the officer instrumental for killing 52 Pakistanis and injuring 20 in Drass during operation Parakram in 2002-03, has been purged by his own fellow officers. At this rate the Indian Army does not need enemy, but internal rivalry will do the job automatically.

Now, the case will be finally decided by the Tribunal in July after its summer break, subject to timely submission of reply by the Army. For Brig L I Singh, it is just the beginning of the End, there is a long battle he has to fight for his honour and reputation.


* Ningombam Bupenda Meitei wrote this article for e-pao.net
Ningombam Bupenda Meitei is a poet, author and orator
This article was posted on May 07, 2016.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Scientist of Manipur: R K Brojen Singh
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Brief sketch on General Balaram Sougaijamba
  • Non-violent for peaceful, mutual co-existence
  • Homeless person ..alcoholism & defeated TB
  • Cancer on rise among young adults
  • Defending, fighting for Idea of Manipur
  • From partiality to complicity
  • Bike Rally - Sekmai to Kangla : Gallery
  • 'Modi must announce finality of Naga pacts'
  • Gliding over Brahmaputra
  • Question leaks cause stress among student
  • Home remedies for prickly heat
  • After IIT, AIIMS it is now IIM
  • Stealing spotlight from Manipur crisis
  • Tarpon chaklen katpa @ Andro #2 : Gallery
  • Strongly condemns violence in Jiribam
  • Lessons from outcome of LS election
  • Tumcho releases "Goodness of God"
  • Right diagnostic for antimicrobial resistance
  • 12th June is World Day against Child Labour
  • Hands of geo-politics ?
  • The row over NEET-2014
  • 2nd Annual Art Exhibition #1 : Gallery
  • Chilli Chicken: Film Spotlighting NE in B'lore
  • Committee of Narcotics Anonymous - Imphal
  • The Power of Meditation
  • Oceans as a career choice
  • Getting more and more audacious
  • A test of leadership
  • Education Fair @Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Gifting two seats to Cong
  • Voters empowered democracy
  • Postcards from Meghalaya premieres
  • Milk : Essential nutrient for a healthy body
  • Failing in competitive exam not end of world
  • Delhi : A mere spectator
  • Abandoning Jiribam
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #5
  • Ima Keithel flood- May 30 #2 : Gallery
  • Mainstream in Shoes of Alternative
  • Protect the medicines that protect us
  • Lets take action for our land & our future
  • Democracy and independent media
  • Agenda at work to shut Western Gate
  • Keeping Manipur on the boil
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #34: Download
  • The Enigmatic Journey of 'Laikhutshangbi'
  • Individual and the Social
  • An Ardent Appeal to All Concerns
  • Condemnation of Attack & Govt Inaction
  • The Power of Poppy - 34 :: Poem
  • Scientist of Manipur: Laishram Shanta
  • Alien fishes spotted in Manipur's rivers
  • Training on mushroom at Langthabal
  • Digital avatars or deepfakes ?
  • 7th June is the World Food Safety Day
  • How to prepare for UPSC after 10th ?
  • The Jiri violence
  • Beginning of a new vote culture ?
  • Bimol Akoijam (Cong) wins Inner PC : Gallery
  • BJP, NPF & other NDA pay heavy price
  • Nature is one of greatest blessings of God
  • Plantation drive in Tripura, Assam & Manipur
  • Summer beauty
  • Environment conservation & over-exploitation
  • Is Modi cut out for leading a coalition ?
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #2: Gallery
  • Scholarship for Johnstone Hr Sec students
  • 1st foundation day of Interfaith Forum
  • World Environment Day: Our land, our future
  • Indonesia stronger anti-tobacco measures
  • Navigating a fragile Myanmar: India's policy
  • New breed entering electoral politics
  • The road to formation of new govt
  • International Dance Day #1 : Gallery
  • Matchbox marketing mantra
  • Stop harming nature :: Poem
  • Saving for oneself & the Nation
  • Model United Nations (MUN) conducted
  • Tobacco: Threat to health & environment
  • Candidate from ruling party biting the dust
  • The verdict
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #4
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #3 : Gallery
  • Navigating Remal amidst Manipur conflict
  • We are #GenerationRestoration
  • Intl Day of Innocent Children Victims
  • Apparel Industry Skills & Innovation CoE
  • What's in a cyclone's name ?
  • Ongoing clash, the floods, the losses
  • Exit poll predictions
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #33: Download
  • Evading flood & rethinking urbanization
  • Manipur Flood: Health Advisory
  • Onus on civil bodies to ensure NNPG unity
  • Rats also cause flood
  • Benefits of JEE Main mock tests
  • People have spoken, now the results
  • The fury of Remal
  • Ima Keithel flood- May 30 #1 : Gallery
  • The flood in our Stars
  • The Power of Poppy - 33 :: Poem
  • 'Group of people misrepresented themselves'
  • EV industry and career options
  • Scientist of Manipur: Chandrakant Aribam
  • Candy flavoured traps to hook next Gen
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #2
  • Tobacco affects health & environment too
  • Jio extend validity for Customer in Manipur
  • Students must learn about AI irrespective
  • As vote count day approaches : Floods
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #2 : Gallery
  • Flooded : Sacrifice of Yairipok's Maiden
  • World No Tobacco Day 2024
  • Chandam Rishikanta wins NPC Nat'l C'ship
  • Flood: Helpline numbers for emergency
  • Battling body odour ?
  • Floods : Not entirely natural phenomena
  • PM Modi's purpose
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #1 : Gallery
  • June Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Flood: Control Rooms & Helpline numbers
  • Economic impact of ongoing conflict
  • Army Recruitment Rally for Manipur
  • Cut deficit, boom likely
  • Are Gods angry ? Wake up call for Manipur
  • Beating of the Retreat #2 : Gallery
  • We did Overcome: Mayhem of Month of May
  • Training on mushroom at Potshagbam
  • Famous female Mathematicians in India
  • Disinformation campaign thengnare
  • Human trafficking puts humanity to shame
  • Sky opens up in all its fury
  • Licypriya meets Italy PM & Pope Francis
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Combined Defence Services Exam 2024
  • Good show in Class X exams
  • Downplaying the crisis
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #3
  • Reviving Lamphelpat : Conservation : Gallery
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #1
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hojai
  • The Power of Poppy - 32 :: Poem
  • Insights from CUET-UG Counselling
  • International Day for Biological Diversity
  • Unseen force at work: Time to unravel it
  • Sheikh Hasina's revelation
  • The Vanishing Meitei Tribe
  • Building career in defence & strategic study
  • Why example of model code of conduct ?
  • Ownership of responsibility
  • Will pressure mount on key players in NE
  • How to save your foot after an accident
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #3 : Gallery
  • Education Fair @Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Project Associate @ CSE, Assam Univ
  • Understanding schizophrenia
  • Advancement in Multi Objective Optimization
  • When will women in voter list increase ?
  • Making 2 plus 2 is equal to 5
  • Changing face of drug menace
  • Scientist of Manipur: Jayanta Manoharmayum
  • 25 yrs since Atal Vajpayee visit to RIMS
  • 4 Lakhs donated to support (L) Maipak Family
  • Clarification: Guwahati Meet on Humanitarian
  • Start UPSC prep after 12th for success
  • Tips to avoid melting makeup in summer
  • Giving a big solid push to ST demand
  • Time to come clean
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #3
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #2 : Gallery
  • A year of hostilities
  • Licypriya Kangujam to travel to Italy
  • Declining moral standards in public life
  • Healthy democracy with independent media
  • Why endangered species matter to us
  • Significant Guwahati meeting : 1st visible step
  • The Pallel story
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #2 : Gallery
  • Ukhrul: Climate change grip on water supply
  • Commemoration of World Eld's Deer Day
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Dance of democracy, a miracle in making !
  • Learn to look 10/20/30 years hence
  • The zero FIR, zero lesson
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #1: Gallery
  • MOU signed: MTI-HUB & KIIT-TBI & SAbF
  • Lament of the Mourning Choir :: Poem
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wabagai
  • RSS-BJP fracas
  • Trials for Canoe Slalom World Cup
  • Poser from a villager says it all Kamjong
  • The cover-up effort
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #2
  • Manipuri women in the arena of politics
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Assam
  • Aimee Baruah at red carpet of Cannes
  • National Defence Academy Exam 2024
  • How digital media changed communications
  • Manipur stands scandalised
  • All eyes on UP battle
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #32: Download
  • Riots to a shrine- Ram Mandir of Ayodhya
  • Handle with care. F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside!
  • The Power of Poppy - 31 :: Poem
  • Celebrate the journey !
  • Career counselling : A life guidance tool
  • Scientist of Manipur: Amom Ruhikanta
  • Preserving Thang-Ta :: Rare Photos
  • Regarding Human Rights Situation in Manipur
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #2: Gallery
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • AISSE 2024 Exam Result- RKM Imphal
  • Gold, new world currency !
  • Milk for hair and skin
  • Of illegal immigrants & the larger picture
  • The missive from Kamjong
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • World Bamboo Congress @Taiwan : Gallery
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD