The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army soldier for refusing to enter a gurdwara during a regimental activity, deeming his actions “gross indiscipline.” Justices labelled him an “absolute misfit,” emphasizing the paramount importance of discipline in the Army. The soldier’s appeal was rejected, confirming his termination for placing personal beliefs above lawful commands. Supreme Court (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticised a Christian Army soldier for refusing to enter temple and gurdwara for collective religious practices with his regiment. The top court said his conduct amounted to “gross indiscipline.”A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi went on to describe him as an “absolute misfit” for the Army.The soldier had been removed from service earlier because he did not follow the order to enter the temple and gurdwara with his unit. He challenged this decision in the Delhi high court, but the high court upheld his termination. He then approached the Supreme Court.The Delhi high court had earlier said that the soldier placed his personal religious beliefs above the lawful command of his superiors. The soldier’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, argued that his client simply refused to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and gurdwara because his Christian faith does not allow him to participate in such religious rituals. He also said the soldier had a clean service record for six years and only avoided activities that went against his conscience.However, the Supreme Court was not convinced. The judges said the Army carries a huge responsibility, and discipline must be maintained. They noted that by refusing to join the religious activities of his regiment, the soldier insulted the troops he was leading. As a commander, he should have led by example.In the end, the Supreme Court rejected his appeal and confirmed his termination from the Army.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara TreePM Modi Declares India’s 500-Year Resolve Fulfilled With Dharma Flag Ceremony At Ayodhya Ram TempleDiplomatic Row Explodes After China Rejects Arunachal Woman’s Passport During Shanghai Transit HaltAsh Cloud From Ethiopia Hits India’s Airspace At High Speed, DGCA Issues Urgent Safety AdvisoryNew Tripura BSF IG Intensifies Border Vigilance Amid Bangladesh InstabilitySpectacular Tribute: 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Marked with Light-&-Sound ShowSecond Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Tribute Marked with Devotion in Punjab“Indian market offers smooth trade opportunities,” says ASSOCHAM Secretary‘Why? Why? Why?’ Mamata Slams EC, Flags ‘Unusual & Alarming’ Moves Ahead of Bengal Polls’Doesn’t Deserve LoP Post’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For Missing CJI Surya Kant’s Oath Ceremony123PhotostoriesHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhoodPunjabi aa gaye oye! Diljit Dosanjh sets the Emmys 2025 red carpet on fireDelhi on Edge as Ethiopia Volcano Ash Approaches; Visibility, Flights and AQI Maybe in DangerKnow the things you must strictly avoid according to your birth dateAnanya Panday turns heads in one of the season’s most striking saree gown looks10 things every teenage boy needs to know from their parentsIs your cat scared of guests or secretly curious? How to read the signalsBrain teaser for kids: Can you find 4 hidden faces in this image?10 things every teenage girl needs to know from her parents123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsStephen CurryJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsTravis TurnerAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticised a Christian Army soldier for refusing to enter temple and gurdwara for collective religious practices with his regiment. The top court said his conduct amounted to “gross indiscipline.“A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi went on to describe him as an “absolute misfit” for the Army.The soldier had been removed from service earlier because he did not follow the order to enter the temple and gurdwara with his unit. He challenged this decision in the Delhi high court, but the high court upheld his termination. He then approached the Supreme Court.The Delhi high court had earlier said that the soldier placed his personal religious beliefs above the lawful command of his superiors. The soldier’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, argued that his client simply refused to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and gurdwara because his Christian faith does not allow him to participate in such religious rituals. He also said the soldier had a clean service record for six years and only avoided activities that went against his conscience.However, the Supreme Court was not convinced. The judges said the Army carries a huge responsibility, and discipline must be maintained. They noted that by refusing to join the religious activities of his regiment, the soldier insulted the troops he was leading. As a commander, he should have led by example.In the end, the Supreme Court rejected his appeal and confirmed his termination from the Army.
