The DV ban imposed on Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit's career for 16 years is likely to be lifted after his acquittal in the Malegaon blast case. The file is reaching Delhi Headquarters via the Army's command chain, after which his promotion and service benefits may be restored.
Malegaon Blast: Malegaon Blast Case Verdict: A new ray of hope has emerged in the career of Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit after his acquittal by the court. The Discipline and Vigilance (DV) ban imposed on him after his arrest in 2008 had been preventing his promotion, posting, and career growth. According to sources, this file is now reaching Army Headquarters, Delhi, via Southern Command. After final approval, his name will be opened for promotion to the rank of Colonel. Legally, he can also seek his service benefits and retrospective promotion through the Armed Forces Tribunal or the High Court.
Process to remove 16-year-old DV ban begins
An important update has come to light regarding the career of Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit after the court's decision in the Malegaon blast case. The process of removing the Discipline and Vigilance (DV) ban imposed on him after his arrest in 2008 has been expedited. This ban had completely stopped his promotion, posting, and career growth. Now, after getting relief from the court, the possibility of ending this long break in his career has increased.
According to sources, the file for removing the ban has already been sent to the Southern Command, which will now go to Army Headquarters, Delhi. After receiving final approval, the Special Board will open his old promotion assessment results and consider his promotion to the rank of Colonel.
16 years of Obstruction in Promotion
After the imposition of the DV ban, the promotion, posting and honors of any officer of the army are stopped. This was the reason why Purohit's name was not included in the selection board since 2008, despite being eligible for promotion. Now, after the court's decision, this file is moving forward through different command layers.
However, with only a little over a year left until his retirement, the possibility of getting a regular field or staff posting is low. According to army sources, consideration is being given to creating a special position for him in this situation.
Full Justice can be Obtained through Legal Action
Legally, after being acquitted by the court, Purohit can take action against career losses, prevention of promotion and non-receipt of service benefits. He can file a petition in the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) or the High Court, from where an order can be obtained to restore retrospective promotion, seniority and all pending benefits.
In the past, the court has given relief to acquitted officers in such cases. In cases like Lt Col R.K. Sharma vs. Union of India and Col Ajay Sharma vs. Union of India, the court had ordered restoration of promotion and service benefits. In such a situation, Purohit's case is considered legally b and institutionally pending.
