A court in India has upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army officer over his refusal to participate in religious rituals at his regiment's temple and gurdwara.
Judges in Delhi said that while Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan of the Sikh squadron had the right to practice his religious beliefs, he carried additional responsibilities as Commanding Officer of his troops.
Lt Kamalesan’s contract was terminated in 2021 over refusing to take part in a regimental weekly Puja ceremony on the grounds that it violated his Christian faith. He said it was also out of respect to the sensitivities of his troops. Despite being counselled several times by his superiors he refused to change his stance.
The Army said his position had undermined unit cohesion and troop morale.
The Court ruled that the case wasn’t one of religious freedom, but of following a lawful command of a superior: “Commanding Officers are to lead by example and not by division; and by placing the cohesion of the Unit above individual religious preferences, particularly when commanding troops who they will lead in combat situations and war.”
“While, to a civilian, this may appear a bit harsh and may even sound far-fetched, however, the standard of discipline required for the Armed Forces is different. The motivation that is to be instilled in the troops may necessitate actions beyond ordinary civilian standards. Therefore, the ordinary person standard may not be truly applicable while judging the requirements of the Armed Forces."
Lt Kamalesan, who was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2017 had sought reinstatement. However, the court dismissed his petition citing that his conduct amounted to indiscipline as he placed his religion above a lawful command of his superior.