The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has ordered the postponement of Colonel Purohit Prasad Shrikant’s retirement pending a decision on his plea for promotion and service benefits following his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Colonel Shrikant sought promotion to the rank of Colonel and subsequently Brigadier on par with his juniors.
Under Section 14 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, the officer argued that his promotions were withheld during his criminal trial after his arrest in 2008. The AFT noted that Colonel Shrikant was arrested in 2008, granted bail in 2017, and acquitted in 2025 after serving since 2023.
The AFT acknowledged that the officer may deserve consideration for promotion and service benefits equal to his juniors, which were previously denied. It recognized the officer’s claim of being falsely implicated in the case, a point supported by the criminal court during his acquittal. Consequently, the AFT instructed that his retirement be deferred pending a decision on his complaint.
The tribunal has summoned the Union government and other parties to explain why the officer’s promotion and associated benefits should not be reviewed alongside his peers. The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 22.
