Armyman challenges transfer, alleges vendetta

An army officer challenges his transfer from Mumbai to Jabalpur, alleging he was being punished for blowing the whistle on a scam involving supply of substandard equipment to Army.

An army officer has challenged his transfer from Mumbai to Jabalpur, alleging he was being punished for blowing the whistle on a scam involving supply of substandard equipment to Army.

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A division bench of Justices SB Mhase and Ashutosh Kumbhkoni did not stay the transfer but asked the Army to file its reply.

Lieutenant Colonel Akash Sachan contended this equipment is used by jawans posted at borders in sub-zero temperatures and since the quality of this equipment is allegedly being compromised by the Director General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) of the Indian Army, it poses a risk to soldiers and in turn to the citizens of India.

The High Court on Wednesday said it did not wish to interfere with matters concerning internal transfers within the Army but issued notice to Army which was not represented in the court today.

The matter has been adjourned for two weeks.

In the meantime, Sachan will have to follow his transfer order and report to his post in Jabalpur on July 4.

He alleged in the petition that there were irregularities in deals regarding non-skid chains and mudguards which are used in high altitude snow-bound areas.

Sachan has also urged the court to constitute a committee to probe the alleged illegalities within the DGQA