The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has ruled that excessive force cannot be used against civilians and stressed that military discipline must prevail even when soldiers are facing intense emotional provocation.
Following the incident, a Court of Inquiry ordered by Headquarters 16 Corps led to administrative action against Brigadier Acharya, who was then commanding 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles.
Officer challenged the censure
He further contended that the Corps Commander had effectively acted as a judge in his own case. the tribunal reiterated that even under severe emotional pressure following the loss of comrades during counter-insurgency operations, human emotions must give way to military discipline, constitutional obligations and human rights safeguards While dismissing Brigadier Acharya’s plea. Referring to Supreme Court judgments, the bench also emphasised that internal-security operations require a different approach from conventional warfare.
