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Indian army chief withdraws appeal over age row
The defence ministry, which had previously twice rejected Gen. VK Singh’s claim, welcomes the decision.
India’s army chief on Friday withdrew a lawsuit in which he had sought a change in his birth date that would have let him remain in his post an extra year, ending a showdown with the government. PHOTO: FILE
NEW DELHI: India’s army chief on Friday withdrew a lawsuit in which he had sought a change in his birth date that would have let him remain in his post an extra year, ending a showdown with the government.
General VK Singh withdrew his appeal after the Supreme Court upheld the government’s stand that the army chief’s birthday in official records was May 10, 1950.
Singh, who maintained he was born on the same day a year later and that a transcription mistake had been made in his records, would have been able to remain in office an additional 12 months had the court upheld his appeal. Indian government employees must retire at 62.
The dispute had provoked an embarrassing clash between the government and India’s 1.13-million-strong military, the fourth largest in the world.
The defence ministry welcomed Singh’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit, which had thrown succession plans for heading the army into uncertainty.
“We are happy that the issue has been finally resolved and the controversy put to rest,” defence ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said.
The defence ministry had previously twice rejected Singh’s claim, citing the date marked on documents when he entered the army.
Reader Comments (15)
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“The dispute had provoked an embarrassing clash between the government and India’s 1.13-million-strong military, the fourth largest in the world.”
It was a dispute between a a well respected soldier and his employer. It was not a dispute between the army and the government…. India is not Pakistan…
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@Indian:
Well said dude.
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Did right thing . We don’t want our chiefs to be controversial .Army is for people , appointed by Gov and they have to obey us .
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In Pakistan, the prime minister withdraws his statement about the army and in India the army chief withdraws his case against the govt. Two different systems. Maybe two nation theory is correct.
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correct two nation theory is right and this case also prove this.Recommend
@Pollack: I would not blame the GOP or Pakistanis. Since 1960s, the establishment opened the door of a boogey India fear/threat on to its citizens that till today they believe it. This has helped the establishment to be the rulers whether by Coups or a shadowy behind with a gun on the civilian Govt. In return (any) Govt of the day has two eyes behind them and none in front to develop Pakistan. As far as corruption is concerned, it is in both the establishment and the civilians. So the lame excuse of the people that only the Govts are all corrupt is misleading. Corruption is a worldwide problem.
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this is called democracy of indiaRecommend
In Pakistan the army and ISI Chiefs get extensions so that the civilian regime can continue to pretend that it rules the country!
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In PAK the govt gives extension, if not the govt has to face “dire consequences”.
In the US McCrystal questions the President, and he was called back and asked to tender resignation.
In PAK, OBL is caught with pants down, and the govt gives medal.
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In India army works for country whereas in Pakistan, country works for army. Indian army takes dictations and never dictates. However, still the Indian army has the full backing of 1.20 billion Indians. We are all for mother India.
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We salute the Judges for having blended diplomacy and law to broker peace between the Army Chief and the Government. What other avoided to do, they have done very gracefully and successfully.
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In India government determines term of COAS. In Pakistan COAS determines term of government.
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He should have contested the battle in the Supreme Court. An army officer can very much challenge the government relating to service matter before the Court. This is different than challenging the government by staging a coup !!
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Point to note, even the man who commands one of the most powerful armies in the world is still a humble servant of common Indian citizens.
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@from India:
“He should have contested the battle in the Supreme Court.”
He did do that. Are you sure you are currently in India?
This has left an egg on the ruling clique in Delhi. Arrogance and railroading of a brave individual will not be soon forgotten!Recommend