LAWS(SC)-2014-3-12

UNION OF INDIA Vs. MAJOR S.P. SHARMA

Decided On March 06, 2014
UNION OF INDIA Appellant
V/S
Major S.P. Sharma Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals have been filed against the common judgment and order dated 21.12.2000 passed by Delhi High Court in L.P.A. Nos. 4, 43, 139, 148 of 1987, 21 of 1988, 77 of 1993 and 86 of 1994. By the said judgment, the High Court allowed the appeals preferred by the respondents and quashed not only their termination orders but also the General Court Martial (hereinafter referred to as 'GCM') proceedings held against Captain Ashok Kumar Rana and Captain R.S. Rathaur.

(2.) Before we proceed with the matter, it would be appropriate to highlight the factual background and brief history of the case. In February 1971, Gunner Sarwan Dass was cultivated by Pakistan Intelligence. In 1972 Captain Ghalwat and Gunner Sarwan Dass crossed the international border. In 1973 Captain Ghalwat and Gunner Sarwan Dass were posted in Babina (M.P.).

(3.) The present appeals arise out of the order passed way back in 1980 terminating the services of the respondents herein which were brought invoking the doctrine of pleasure as enshrined under Article 310 of the Constitution of India, 1950 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Constitution') coupled with the powers to be exercised under Section 18 of the Army Act. Initially, the orders of dismissal were passed on 11.1.1980, which were assailed in nine writ petitions that were dismissed by the High Court of Delhi on 21.4.1980. The special leave petitions against these writ petitions came to be dismissed by this Court on 1.9.1980.