Forces tribunal upholds removal of unfit officers from Territorial Army

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6

As the Territorial Army (TA) battles increasing number of low medical category (LMC) officers in the organisation, the Armed Forces Tribunal has upheld the Army’s move to disembody troops on the grounds that unfit officers and soldiers have adverse consequences for national security.

What it says

Having low medical category (LMC) officers with various medical disabilities and employment restrictions affects the successful execution of the missions of TA units.

Stressing that it was implicit and axiomatic that the TA took necessary measures to ensure fitness standards in the leadership provided by TA officers, the tribunal’s Bench comprising Justice Rajendra Menon and Lt Gen PM Hariz remarked that having LMC officers with various medical disabilities and employment restrictions not only affected the successful execution of the missions of TA units, but also directly impacted the life and sustenance of the men these officers lead.

Vacating the stay imposed earlier on the disembodiment of several officers because of poor physical fitness, the Bench observed that considering the overall security and operational environment in the country and the continued employment of TA in active operational areas, it was vital for the organisation to institute such measures to ensure the operational effectiveness and capabilities of its units and sub-units.

The TA is authorised a total of 503 TA officers of which 396 are posted. Of these, 65 officers are LMC. At present, about 85 per cent of TA infantry units and sub-units are embodied and deployed in operational roles.