S MOHINDER SINGH RANDHAWA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Petitioner, who was working as a religious Teacher (Granthi) in the Indian Army, was discharged from service by order dated 18.3.1980, and that is under challenge in the writ petition.

(2.) A few facts have to be noticed for the purpose of appreciation of the attitude of the Respondents in deciding the matter against the petitioner.

(3.) The Petitioner joined the Indian Army on the 31st of July, 1965. He was subsequently promoted as Risaldar. He was in 74, Armoured Regiment. The 74 Armoured Regiment was to move for an exercise, and for that purpose, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment sent the communication dated 29.8,1978 that Guru Granth Sahib, Mandir and CSD Canteen had to be loaded in a vehicle. The exercise was to be carried on in the month of March, 1979. The Commanding Officer, after all formalities were complied with for the march, directed that Gurudwara, Temple and CSD Canteen should be loaded in one vehicle and issued a direction to that effect. That direction was communicated to the Petitioner through Risaldar, Major Ganpat Singh.