Mon Jun 02 06:03:08 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Delhi High Court Upholds Dismissal of Army Officer for Refusing Religious Parade Participation**

**New Delhi – June 2, 2025** – The Delhi High Court has affirmed the termination of an Indian Army officer who consistently refused to fully participate in weekly regimental religious parades. The court stated that the armed forces are unified by their uniform and duty to the nation, not divided by religious beliefs.

The Lieutenant, a Christian, sought exemption from entering the inner sanctum of a temple, which was maintained by his regiment alongside a gurudwara for religious observances. He argued that his monotheistic faith prevented him from fully participating.

Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur rejected his petition, upholding the 2021 dismissal order that stripped him of his pension and gratuity. The court ruled that the officer prioritized his personal religious beliefs over lawful commands from his superiors, constituting an act of indiscipline under the Army Act. They also added that this situation was not about religious freedom, but about following a lawful command.

The court acknowledged the right to religious freedom but emphasized the officer’s responsibility to foster unity and motivate his troops. Authorities had previously tried to counsel the officer, with other Christian officers and a pastor explaining that participation in the “sarv dharm sthal” would not compromise his faith.

The ruling emphasized the importance of uniformity and respect for all religions within the armed forces. The court further noted that religious war cries are intended to boost morale, not to promote religious division. A formal court martial was deemed unsuitable as it could damage the secular nature of the military.

“Our Armed Forces comprise personnel of all religions, castes, creeds, regions, and faiths, whose sole motto is to safeguard the country from external aggressions, and, therefore, they are united by their uniform rather than divided by their religion, caste, or region,” the bench stated.

The High Court’s decision underscores the high standard of discipline and the unique motivational requirements within the armed forces.

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