New Delhi, October 30 (Udaipur Kiran) — The Indian Army’s General Court Martial (GCM) has dismissed a Colonel from service after finding him guilty of maintaining an illicit relationship with another officer’s wife, in violation of the Army Act. The case, involving two officers from the Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Corps, was heard at the ‘N’ Area in Chandigarh, where proceedings began in May this year.
The court, presided over by Brigadier Jagminder Singh Gill, found the accused officer guilty on three of four charges, under different provisions of the Army Act, following a detailed inquiry and testimonies from witnesses.
The Allegations and Findings
According to reports, the first charge, under Section 45 of the Army Act, related to conduct “unbecoming of an officer and gentleman.” It was alleged that between September 2021 and August 2022, the accused Colonel maintained late-night phone contact — between 10 PM and 6 AM — with the wife of a fellow officer. However, the court acquitted him of this specific charge, citing insufficient evidence.
The second and third charges, also under Section 45, stated that the accused stayed with the woman at Hotel Radisson Blu in Haridwar (September 2021) and Hotel NJ Portico in Dehradun (April 2022). The GCM found him guilty on both counts.
The fourth charge, under Section 69 of the Army Act, accused the officer of fraudulently using the woman’s dependent card, knowing it to be fake. He was convicted of this charge as well.
Statements and Testimonies
During the trial, the complainant Colonel — the woman’s husband — stated that he married in December 2006 and had a happy married life until returning from a Haridwar vacation and a Leh posting, after which he noticed a change in his wife’s behavior. He also testified that he received his wife’s call detail records (CDRs) in an anonymous package, which led him to suspect an affair.
The woman, in her statement, denied staying in hotels with the accused officer. She said she had been facing mental and physical harassment for 16 years from her husband and that she was no longer willing to live with him. She added that the accused officer was her childhood friend, and as a 42-year-old adult, she had the right to decide whom to talk to.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
The GCM panel included six Colonels and was convened under the orders of Major General K. Mahesh, General Officer Commanding of the 8 Mountain Division. The tribunal ruled for the dismissal from service of the accused Colonel, a decision that now awaits confirmation by the convening authority.
As per Army regulations, the officer will have an opportunity to appeal before the sentence becomes final.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.