In a significant development, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has asked for all the records related to the selection of the new Navy chief, in response to a petition filed by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma. The latter was challenging the appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, who is junior to Verma, as the next Navy chief.
While hearing Verma's plea, the tribunal has ordered that all files be produced before the court on May 29. The tribunal also says that if found merit, the appointment can be put on hold.
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"The AFT has issued notice to the ministry of defence to furnish all the documents based on which the selection of the next Navy chief was done. We had asked for a stay in the appointment, till the case is heard by the court and decided. So, the court has asked for original records to be produced," Verma's lawyer Ankur Chhibber told The WEEK.
Last week, the defence ministry rejected Verma's petition in which he challenged Singh's appointment as the next Navy chief. Verma is the commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and also the senior-most naval commander. Incumbent chief Admiral Sunil Lanba will complete his tenure on May 31. The cabinet committee, on March 23, designated Singh, who heads the Vizag-based Eastern naval command, as the next Navy chief.
Last month, Verma had moved the tribunal questioning the government's decision to overlook his seniority. Instead of hearing the matter, the tribunal, on April 25, directed the defence ministry to take a decision on Verma's petition within three weeks. While rejecting Verma's plea, MoD said that, during selection process, it found Verma unsuitable to hold the post. The ministry also said that a thorough selection process was conducted. The ministry has cited three main reasons for ignoring his seniority. First, a severe letter of displeasure during Naval War Room Leak case, when he was posted in the naval ops directorate; second, he has never commanded the eastern or western naval commands; third, he has never been awarded the PVSM( Param Vashisht Sewa Medal).
