Major General Katoch Applauds AFT's Ruling on Col Purohit's Retirement
Synopsis
Major General Dhruv Katoch (Retd) supports the AFT's decision to suspend Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit's retirement as he seeks promotion and service benefits after being acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. This ruling could pave the way for justice in his long-fought battle.
Key Takeaways
AFT suspends Col Purohit's retirement.
Major General Katoch supports the decision.
Col Purohit was acquitted after years of trial.
Next hearing scheduled for May 22.
Justice for service members is crucial.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Major General Dhruv Katoch (Retd) expressed his approval on Wednesday regarding the Armed Forces Tribunal's (AFT) recent ruling, which mandates that Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit's retirement be suspended pending a resolution to his statutory complaint. This complaint seeks acknowledgment for promotion and other service benefits following his exoneration in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
The AFT Bench, led by Chairperson Justice Rajendra Menon and Administrative Member Rasika Chaube, issued this directive while considering a petition from the officer, who seeks advancement to the rank of Colonel and subsequently Brigadier, in alignment with his junior counterparts.
In a statement to IANS, the former Major General remarked, "Considering Col Purohit's situation, the decision to suspend his retirement is appropriate. Col Purohit has endured a strenuous legal battle, and the civil courts have declared him innocent."
He further criticized the handling of Col Purohit's case, stating, "He was subjected to years of unlawful police custody, which is deeply regrettable. We cannot erase the years lost nor the suffering he endured during that time."
Major General Katoch (Retd) added, "There were alternative approaches to resolving this issue."
He welcomed the AFT's ruling, stating, "Justice has been served. I commend the court's decision, and whatever further developments arise from the judiciary or the Indian Army will be positive, irrespective of the outcome."
It is significant to note that the AFT's order, issued on March 16, acknowledged that the officer was detained from 2008 until he was granted bail by the Supreme Court on August 21, 2017. He resumed his duties afterward and has been actively serving since 2023.
During this timeframe, the trial was ongoing in a special court, which ultimately acquitted him in the Malegaon blast case on July 31, 2025, after nearly 17 years.
The AFT observed, "Prima facie, we find that the applicant may be justified in arguing that he deserves consideration for promotion and all other service benefits equivalent to those of his juniors, which were previously denied to him."
Moreover, the tribunal has issued a notice to the Union government and other involved parties, requesting an explanation as to why directions shouldn't be given to evaluate the officer's promotion case and provide all related service benefits on par with his peers. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 22.
Point of View
Particularly after enduring lengthy trials. The implications of this decision are significant for both Colonel Purohit and the larger military community.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the AFT's decision regarding Col Purohit?
The Armed Forces Tribunal decided to suspend Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit's retirement while considering his complaint for promotion and service benefits after his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Who welcomed the AFT's decision?
Major General Dhruv Katoch (Retd) expressed his approval of the AFT's ruling, stating it was a fair response to Col Purohit's situation.
What were the circumstances surrounding Col Purohit's legal battles?
Col Purohit spent several years in unlawful police detention and was acquitted after nearly 17 years of trial in the Malegaon blast case.
When is the next hearing for Col Purohit's case?
The next hearing for Colonel Purohit's case has been scheduled for May 22.
What does this ruling imply for Col Purohit's future?
The ruling may open the door for Col Purohit to receive promotion and service benefits that were previously denied to him.
