New Delhi, June 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court has directed an Army commando, who had participated in the recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, to surrender within two weeks in a dowry death case.
A bench, comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and K Vinod Chandran, on Monday dismissed the soldier’s plea for exemption from surrender during the pendency of his appeal.
The petitioner, convicted under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code (dowry death), was sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, a sentence already upheld by the High Court.
Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhri, appearing for the petitioner, highlighted his client’s service record, stating, “He is a Black Cat commando posted in the Rashtriya Rifles and a participant in Operation Sindoor.”
However, the Court responded firmly, “That doesn’t give you any immunity to commit atrocities at home.”
The bench observed, “Your elite military service only reinforces how physically capable you were to strangle the victim.”
The Court noted that the exemption from surrender is generally considered only in cases involving lighter punishments.
“This is a gruesome offence. Such protection is meant for offences with sentences like six months or one year, not 10 years,” the judges remarked.
The court noted that the convict's 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence had already been upheld by the High Court.
Chaudhri argued that the charge was not for murder under Section 302 but for dowry death under Section 304B, and that the main allegation involved a demand for a motorcycle.
He also said that the two main witnesses were closely related to the deceased.
“I can show that their statements are full of contradictions,” he said.
The bench said it was willing to issue notice on the appeal but firmly rejected the plea for protection from surrender.
“We can issue notice on the SLP, but there will be no relief from surrender,” the Court ruled.
When Chaudhri requested more time due to the petitioner’s current posting, the bench granted two weeks but declined any further extension.
“No, two weeks. There is no Operation Sindoor now,” the bench said, dismissing the request for an extra week.
UNI SNG SS