The Central government on Monday justified the dismissal of three Indian Air Force (IAF) officers for gross negligence and informed the Delhi high court that the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year affected the relationship with its neighboring country along with a loss of ₹24 crores to the state exchequer.

In a brief affidavit in opposition to Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma's petition challenging his dismissal from the IAF, the Centre claimed that a court martial trial of three officers was "inexpedient,", especially in light of the sensitive nature of the evidence presented and "also the fact that the international community was interested to know the important practical details regarding the firing of missile”.

 “Considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter having widespread ramifications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was taken in good faith to terminate the service of the petitioner under the President’s pleasure clause. Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action," the government said.

In addition, the petitioner also challenged the termination order that was issued under section 18 of the Air Force Act, 1950. He was posted as an engineering officer. 

The IAF officer said in his petition, which was submitted through an attorney named Jaitegan Singh, that he received professional and hands-on training exclusively for tasks that are strictly maintenance-related and not for the conduct of missions. He asserted that the incident was solely operational in nature and that he carried out all of his obligations in accordance with the Combat SOP controlling the activities.

The Centre defended its decision to fire the officers, claiming that it was motivated by the public interest and free of any mala fide intent. It also noted that the petitioner had ample opportunity to present his case during the Court of Inquiry's proceedings and was given wide latitude in this regard.

The Centre said that the decision to terminate the service of the petitioner was objective, just and required due to the peculiar nature of the subject matter. It said that besides causing a potential threat to any airborne/ground object/personnel and also causing damage to the reputation of the IAF and the nation at large, the government exchequer lost money in the accidental firing.

“It is indeed ironic that the petitioner has attempted to shift his blame to other officers knowing fully well that his failures contributed significantly to the launch of the missile,” the reply said.

The Union government refused to discuss the evidence on record in its reply, stating that it will have an adverse impact on the security of the State. However, it clarified that the court proceedings will be shown to duly establish the petitioners' lapses. 

Image source: ANI