Army court martial recommends Major General's dismissal over alleged sexual harassment

An Army General Court Martial (GCM) on Sunday recommended the dismissal of a Major General from service over a two-year-old sexual harassment case.  

News agency ANI quoted sources as saying that the Army General has been charged under section 354A of the IPC and Army Act 45.

"He has been charged under section 354A of the IPC and Army Act 45 which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers in the force," ANI reported citing sources.

As per Army Rules, the recommendation of the GCM would now be sent to higher authorities including Chief of Army Staff for confirmation. The officer had played a crucial role in one of the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in the last few years, ANI reported. 

Advocate Anand Kumar, the counsel for Major General in the trial court, said that they will be appealing against the order as the General Court Martial court has not looked into the defence case. 

Kumar said, "GCM court has not at all looked into the defence case. Evidence has not been appreciated properly and harassment decision has been passed in a haste."

The Major General was posted in the Northeast when the alleged incident took place in late 2016 and was attached to Chandimandir under Army's Western Command for the disciplinary proceedings.

Sources said the officer has denied the charges against him levelled by the Captain-rank lady officer.

In a plea filed before the before the Armed Forces Tribunal, the officer had claimed that he was a victim of factionalism within the Army which had allegedly arisen due to the appointment of Army Chief in that year.

During the trial, the officer contended that there have been certain issues raised by him which have not been addressed by the authorities concerned, ANI reported. 

(With input from ANI)