he Supreme Court of India has upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army officer who was removed from service for allegedly attempting to convert fellow soldiers and violating the secular fabric of the Indian Army. The court observed that the officer’s conduct made him “unfit to serve in a disciplined and secular military force.”
According to case details, the officer was accused of repeatedly engaging in religious proselytising despite multiple warnings from senior officials. The Army argued that such behaviour could disrupt unit cohesion and morale. The Supreme Court agreed, stating that the armed forces operate on strict principles of neutrality and cannot allow activities that may create divisions on religious lines.
The bench emphasised that the Army’s strength lies in its diversity and secular ethos, where personal faith cannot interfere with professional duty. The officer’s plea for reinstatement was therefore rejected.
