Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel to be Court-Martialed for Alleged Corruption in Military Procurement

In a significant move demonstrating the Indian Army's firm approach against financial misconduct, a Colonel and a Lieutenant Colonel are currently undergoing court-martial proceedings due to alleged discrepancies amounting to over ₹2 crore in military supply procurement. At the time of these alleged incidents, both officers were serving with an Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) battalion.

The Colonel is set to be tried by a General Court Martial (GCM), while proceedings for the Lieutenant Colonel have already commenced in Meerut. Throughout the disciplinary process, both officers have been reassigned to different brigades within the Western Command in Meerut.

A Court of Inquiry (CoI), led by an Artillery Brigade commander, investigated the complaints against the officers and found them responsible for several acts of omission and commission. The investigation confirmed that the irregularities transpired during their tenure in the EME battalion.

The Colonel's involvement was discovered during the investigation of the Lieutenant Colonel, leading to his reassignment and the launch of separate disciplinary measures.

The Colonel is facing 12 charges, which comprise:

Five charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act

Four charges under Section 52 of the Army Act (pertaining to property misappropriation and intent to defraud)

Three alternate charges under Section 63 of the Army Act (acts prejudicial to good order and military discipline)

The Lieutenant Colonel is accused of four charges under Sections 52 and 63 of the Army Act.

The Colonel, who was participating in the Higher Command Course at the Army War College in Mhow when proceedings began, sought permission from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) to complete the course before his reassignment. The AFT approved this request.

Previously, the Colonel had received a "reproof" punishment, which was later annulled by the Army, allowing for new disciplinary actions. The officer also appealed to the Delhi High Court for a stay on the proceedings. In October 2025, a Division Bench directed the Army to swiftly carry out the disciplinary action.

In its court submissions, the Army clarified that the earlier punishment had been revoked and that new proceedings were being conducted in line with regulations and the authority's powers.

As of June 2, 2026, the Lieutenant Colonel's trial is ongoing in Meerut, and the Colonel is anticipated to face a General Court Martial soon. The officers' identities remain undisclosed, adhering to military protocols for active disciplinary cases.

This case underscores the Indian Army's ongoing focus on upholding accountability and transparency in procurement, especially within technical units charged with equipment maintenance and logistics support.

Defense sources conveyed that the Army is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and will ensure that due process is strictly followed as per the Army Act and applicable laws.

This development comes amid intensified scrutiny of procurement and financial management within the armed forces, with the Army demonstrating its commitment to promptly and transparently addressing any violations.

This article is based on details reported by The Tribune.