April 26, 2024 14:31 (IST)
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VK Singh indicted in Sukna scam, former Army chief bemused
New Delhi, Sept 6 (IBNS): General (Retired) VK Singh was left bemused after the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) said that the former Army chief had violated rules, influenced a military court and harassed senior officers for "vengeance," reports said.
While hearing a petition filed by Lt Gen PK Rath on Friday, the tribunal quashed the court martial of former 33 Corps Commander and ordered the Army to pay him Rs. 1 lakh for "undue harassment and loss of reputation."
The case dates back to mid-2008.
VK Singh was the General Officer Commanding-in Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Army’s Eastern Command then.
The then military secretary Lt Gen Avdesh Prakash, during an official visit, noted the requirement for a good educational institution in Sukna forest area in West Bengal which is adjacent to 33 Corps headquarters.
He, along with Rath gave the NoC for building a school on a 70-acre plot adjacent to the military cantonment there.
Following which, Army set up a Court of Inquiry after VK Singh initiated a probe. He alleged that Rath & Prakash violated rules to give permission.
In 2011 army court martial found Lt Gen Rath guilty of issuing a no-objection certificate (NoC) to a private construction firm to set up an educational institution.
Lt. Gen Prakash was also court-martialled months after Rath, in connection with the Sukna land issue.
Appealing against the court-martial order, Rath took the matter forward to AFT.
The tribunal on Friday acquitted Rath of all charges as it observed that the NoC violated no rules as the land did not belong to the Army.
"The petitioner is acquitted of all charges. He is entitled to restoration of all benefits with 12 per cent interest," an Armed Forces Tribunal bench comprised of Justice Sunil Hali and Air Marshal J N Burma said in its judgement.
The bench observed, the petitioner suffered undue harassment and loss of reputation by the act of the respondents which, if not compensated, would be a travesty of justice.
"Therefore, as a notional compensation for the harassment and loss of honour and name caused to the petitioner, a cost of Rs. 1,00,000 is to be paid by respondents," it said.
Rath's advocate said: "Justice has been given to Gen Rath. Though his reputation cannot be compensated, the Army would have to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation."
According to media reports, in his petition to the tribunal Lt. Gen Rath alleged that VK Singh gave “undue importance” to the case as he had a "serious grudge" against Lt Gen Prakash.
Since ahead to this issue, he made VK Singh commit to accepting 1950, and not 1951, as his date of birth.
Due to which it later cut short Singh's tenure as Army Chief by eight months.
According to media reports, the Tribunal said some of the witnesses in the case have been indicted for lapses but they have been given lighter sentences by the Army.
"As a matter of fact, some of them have been promoted by the chief of army staff, which was done after their statements were recorded by the General Court Martial, after setting aside their sentences," the tribunal said.
Giving reactions on the tribunal’s order, the Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for North-East region in the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government, Singh on Saturday stated that he is bemused with the decision.
He said, “How can court bring up my age issue in case against Lt Gen Rath?” Former Army chief also said that, “Government must appeal against court order in Sukna Land Scam.”
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