New Delhi: A case of illegality in Army promotions has come to light where a Brigadier`s career records were erased in a "foul" manner which had almost cost him his elevation to the rank of Major General. The matter surfaced in the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) which was hearing the petition of Brigadier V G Gole, who had alleged that a portion of his Annual Confidential record (ACR) was erased, which was illegal, arbitrary and without jurisdiction.
The officer had approached the Tribunal for expunging the effaced portion of his ACR and considering his case afresh for promotion to the rank of Maj Gen after he was denied elevation by an Army promotion panel in September last year.
Allowing the petition, the Tribunal head Justice A K Mathur said, "It speaks volume that such kind of illegality can be committed against an officer. This is a serious matter and we are constrained to observe that it requires deeper consideration by higher authority. "They should pinpoint the officer responsible who has played foul thereby affecting the career of the officer. We allow this petition with cost of Rs 10,000 and expunge the effacing of the ACR of the Brigadier from January to June 2009".
The AFT said marks of the officer should be restored back and he should be considered for promotion to the post of Maj Gen in accordance with rules.
The Tribunal directed the authorities that the impending retirement will not come in way of consideration of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Maj Gen.
PTI