In a significant development underscoring the Indian Army’s strict stance against financial irregularities, a Colonel and a Lieutenant Colonel are facing court-martial proceedings for alleged irregularities exceeding ₹2 crore in the procurement of military stores. Both officers were posted with an Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) battalion at the time of the alleged offences.
The Army has ordered the Colonel to be tried by a General Court Martial (GCM), while the trial of the Lieutenant Colonel is already underway in Meerut. Both officers have been attached to different brigades under the Western Command in Meerut for the duration of the disciplinary proceedings.
A Court of Inquiry (CoI), presided over by the commander of an Artillery Brigade, examined complaints against the officers and held them culpable of several acts of omission and commission. The inquiry established that the irregularities occurred during the procurement of military stores while the officers were serving in the EME battalion.
The Colonel’s role reportedly came to light during the proceedings against the Lieutenant Colonel, prompting his attachment and the initiation of separate disciplinary action.
The Colonel faces 12 charges, which include:
- Five charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act
- Four charges under Section 52 of the Army Act (relating to misappropriation of property and intent to defraud)
- Three alternate charges under Section 63 of the Army Act (acts prejudicial to good order and military discipline)
The Lieutenant Colonel faces four charges under Sections 52 and 63 of the Army Act.
The Colonel, who was attending the Higher Command Course at the Army War College in Mhow when proceedings were initiated, approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) seeking permission to complete the course before being attached. The AFT granted the request.
Earlier, the Colonel had been awarded a punishment of “reproof,” which the Army subsequently revoked, paving the way for fresh disciplinary action. The officer had also moved the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the proceedings. In October 2025, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court directed the Army to proceed with the disciplinary action “with due expedition.”
The Army, in its submissions before the courts, maintained that the earlier punishment had been set aside and that fresh proceedings were being initiated in accordance with the rules and the powers vested in the competent authority.
As of June 2, 2026, the Lieutenant Colonel’s trial is in progress in Meerut. The Colonel is expected to face a General Court Martial shortly. The identities of the two officers have not been disclosed, in line with standard military practice in ongoing disciplinary cases.
The case highlights the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on accountability and transparency in procurement processes, particularly in technical units responsible for equipment maintenance and logistics support.
Defence sources indicated that the Army remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and will take all necessary steps to ensure that due process is followed in accordance with the Army Act and relevant laws.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of procurement and financial management across the armed forces, with the Army demonstrating its resolve to address any deviations promptly and transparently.
This article is based on details reported by The Tribune.
