New Delhi, April 15
The Delhi High Court today allowed three weeks’ time to Major Surinder Singh for filing a petition before the Army authorities against his conviction in the Siachen fake encounter case, in which he had been sentenced to three years’ rigorous imprisonment by the General Court Martial (GCM).

As the sentence was subject to the confirmation of the Army authorities, Major Surinder Singh was directed by the High Court to first move a petition before them.

A Bench of Mr Justice B A Khan and Mr Justice Anil Kumar directed the Army authorities to decide his petition within two weeks, thereafter.

The Court had earlier stayed the confirmation of the GCM order against Major Surinder Singh by the Army authorities after he had filed a petition against it, which was disposed of by the court today with these directions.

The Bench said the stay order would continue for two weeks after the disposal of his petition by the Army authorities, apparently, allowing him time to move the court against their final order.

Till then the court adjourned hearing on his second petition, in which he had challenged the proceedings of the GCM on the grounds of jurisdiction.

Major Surinder Singh of the Gorkha Regiment was found guilty by the GCM of faking encounter with Pakistani soldiers in Siachen for claiming gallantry award and promotion.