The Indian Army has approved the promotion of Colonel Shrikant Purohit to the rank of Brigadier, a significant development in a long-standing service dispute related to his career progression and legal issues stemming from the 2008 Malegaon blast case. This decision follows directives from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), which had halted his retirement set for March 31, 2026, allowing for consideration of his promotion plea. Colonel Purohit’s service tenure remained active during the adjudication of his complaint regarding promotion and service benefits.
The AFT had acknowledged Colonel Purohit’s petition seeking advancement to the ranks of Colonel and Brigadier, citing adverse impacts on his career due to his arrest in connection with the Malegaon blast case and subsequent legal proceedings. Arrested in 2008 and released on bail in 2017, Colonel Purohit resumed his duties in the Indian Army. In July 2025, he was acquitted in the Malegaon blast case by a Special NIA Court in Mumbai.
His retirement was put on hold by the AFT until a final decision on his complaint was made, considering his acquittal and service record post-rejoining. The Army has now sanctioned his promotion to Brigadier, pending procedural formalities, marking a resolution at the administrative level to a service matter entangled in legal scrutiny for years.
