SC upholds Army officer's dismissal for skipping temple rituals

India Nov 25, 2025

The Supreme Court has backed the Army's decision to dismiss Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, who refused to take part in regimental religious ceremonies because of his Christian faith.
The verdict, delivered before May 30, 2025, means Kamalesan loses his job and pension after declining to enter the sanctum sanctorum and perform rituals inside the temple and gurdwara during weekly parades.

Why this matters

The court called Kamalesan's refusal "grossest indiscipline," stressing that shared rituals help build unity in the military.
They said following lawful orders comes before personal beliefs when it comes to service.
This ruling highlights how discipline and team spirit are considered essential in the Armed Forces—even over individual religious practices.