Court martial dismisses major general for sexual misconduct

New Delhi, September 14:: For the first time in the history of the country's armed forces, an Army's General Court Martial (GCM) has dismissed from service a Major General found guilty of molesting a woman officer under his command.

Presided by Army's 10 Corps commander Lt-Gen R S Sujalana, the GCM delivered its verdict against Maj Gen A K Lal on Saturday at Bhatinda.

Lal will lose his pension and ex-servicemen benefits, if the verdict is confirmed by a higher authority -- Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor.

The GCM had tried Lal on four charges including the molestation charge under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 69 (civil offences) of the Army Act.

He was also charged with two other offences including attempting to influence two officers, who were witnesses in the case.

The court found him guilty on all four counts, though Lal denied the charges during the trial.

Now, Lal will have the option of appealing against the verdict before the GCM convening authority, both before and after its confirmation by the army chief.

If he is not satisfied with the convening authority's decision on his appeal, Lal could seek legal redressal either from the High Court or before the newly set up Armed Forces Tribunal.

Lal was serving as the 3 Infantry Division General Officer Commanding in Leh last year when the woman officer, Capt Neha Rawat, made a written complaint against him, alleging sexual misconduct under the pretext of conducting meditation classes at his residence.

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long overdue by MD Alexander on 2008-09-14 19:10:36.108628+05:30
the General for his unbecoming conduct should be given exemplary punishment.should be additionally given imprisionment. there are many who escape due to their God fathers . why not do a stable cleaning drive and punish the corrupt also. those approving purchase

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