'Ego...so high': SC blasts Christian officer who didn't enter temple
What's the story
The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan from the Indian Army for refusing to participate in religious parades. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant dismissed Kamalesan's plea against a Delhi High Court order that had earlier upheld his termination. Justice Kant questioned if such behavior was acceptable in a disciplined force. "Is this sort of cantankerous conduct permissible in a disciplined force?" Justice Kant asked.
Discipline debate
Court questions officer's conduct, emphasizes discipline
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Kamalesan, argued that his client was dismissed over one infraction: refusing to enter a temple's innermost sanctum sanctorum. Sankaranarayanan argued that his client used to participate in places where there were "sarva dharma sthals," but there was no "Sarva Dharma Sthal" at Kamalesan's posting location, only a gurudwara and temple. He said his client stood outside the temple due to his monotheistic faith.
Faith respect
Court emphasizes respect for collective faith
When Justice Bagchi pointed out that a pastor had said entering the sanctum wouldn't violate Christianity, Sankaranarayanan clarified this was in reference to a Sarva Dharma Sthal, not a temple. CJI Kant noted there was also a Gurudwara at the location for Sikh soldiers. He asked if Kamalesan wasn't insulting other religions with his behavior and emphasized leaders must lead by example and respect the collective faiths of their troops.
Penalty dismissal
Court dismisses officer's plea for reduced penalty
"The manner in which he is behaving, is he not insulting the other religions? Religious ego so high that he does not care about others?" CJI Kant asked. When CJI Kant stated that he was not required to do any religious ceremonies, Sankaranarayanan responded that as a troop leader, he would be expected to lead the rituals as well. "I cannot be forced to worship a deity. Constitution permits that much freedom," Sankaranarayanan submitted.
Secular ethos
Court highlights secular ethos of armed forces
Sankaranarayanan sought a reduced penalty on grounds of proportionality, citing Kamalesan's otherwise unblemished service. However, the bench declined this request, saying his conduct couldn't be condoned. "Leaders have to lead by example. You are insulting your troops," CJI Kant said. "When a pastor counselled you, you leave it at that. You can't have your private understanding of what your religion permits. That too in uniform," Justice Bagchi added.
Case
More on the case
Lt Kamalesan, who was assigned to the Sikh squadron in 2017, faced disciplinary action for refusing to enter the inner sanctum of religious structures during mandatory regimental parades. The Army stated that despite assurances from superior officers and consultations with Christian pastors indicating no contradiction, he refused to change his stand. He was thus fired in 2021. According to the Army, the officer's refusal jeopardized unit cohesiveness and morale. In May, the Delhi High Court upheld his termination.