Indian Army: You must have seen films based on the Indian Army. The films also tell about the routine of the army soldiers and their training. But believe me, army life is more strict than what we have known from films or social media. Here even a small mistake is punished severely. This is an organization for which its discipline is everything because a small mistake of a soldier can become a big threat to the security of the country.
However, we will not talk about the training of army soldiers or their routine here. Over the past several years, some such cases have come to light in which Army soldiers have been caught betraying the country. The Indian Army not only gave severe punishment to these soldiers, but also informed its intentions to those who were playing with the security of the country. There is a provision for harshest punishment for this audacity in the army. Let us know how the Army punishes its soldiers in cases of betrayal, espionage or other matters. What are the rules for this…
What happens when a soldier is accused?
When any kind of allegation is made against any soldier or military personnel in the army, a Court of Inquiry (CoI) is constituted to investigate it. This is exactly the same as registering an FIR with the police. After the formation of the Court of Inquiry, a complete investigation of the case takes place and the statements of the witnesses are recorded. After this the report is presented. It is important to know here that during this period, punishment is not announced for the army personnel or soldiers.
court martial
The process of court martial starts on the basis of Court of Inquiry. The commanding officer of the army personnel against whom the allegations have been made prepares the charge sheet. After this the General Court Martial begins. Even in the General Court Martial, punishment is not announced, whereas a proposal for punishment is sent to the concerned command. After this the punishment is announced.
What options do military personnel have?
Under the Army Act, the accused military personnel can file pre-confirmation petition and post-confirmation petition. The pre-confirmation petition goes to the army commander and the post-petition goes to the government. If relief is not available from both the places, then there is an option to approach the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). AFT has the power to cancel the punishment.
What punishment in which case?
- In cases like treason i.e. waging war against the Government of India, such an attempt can result in life imprisonment or fine.
- Contacting the enemy country, sending information, even leaving one’s post can result in imprisonment or death sentence.
- Incitement to mutiny by a military officer or army personnel is punishable with life imprisonment or a jail term up to 10 years and fine.
- Apart from this, the accused can be dismissed from the army and the facilities he can get in future can be banned. Apart from this, the salary of the senior or his rank can also be reduced.
Also read: Pakistan made a missile that can reach America, does India also have such a weapon?
