New Delhi, April 10: The Indian Army has approved the promotion of Shrikant Purohit to the rank of Brigadier, marking a significant resolution in a prolonged service-related dispute tied to earlier legal proceedings in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
The decision follows directions from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), which had stayed Purohit’s scheduled retirement on March 31, 2026, while considering his petition for promotion and service-related benefits. The tribunal’s intervention ensured continuity of service pending adjudication of his statutory complaint.
Purohit had argued that his career progression was adversely impacted due to his arrest in 2008 and the subsequent legal proceedings. He remained in custody until 2017, when he was granted bail by the Supreme Court, and later resumed active service. In July 2025, a Special NIA Court acquitted him in the Malegaon blast case, a key factor considered during the tribunal’s review.
The AFT had earlier directed that his retirement be kept in abeyance and sought responses from the Union of India and other stakeholders regarding his promotion. It also took into account his service record following reinstatement while granting interim relief.
Following these proceedings, the Army has now cleared his elevation to Brigadier, subject to completion of procedural formalities.
The development marks administrative closure of a long-pending service matter, reinforcing the tribunal’s stance on reassessing career progression in light of judicial outcomes and service continuity.
