Delhi, 28 May (H.S.): The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) aiming to compel the Union Government to form a Gujjar regiment in the Indian Army. The division bench, led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, characterized the PIL as absolutely divisive. The petition, filed by Rohan Basoya, highlighted that despite Gujjars' rich martial legacy, they lack a dedicated regiment compared to other communities such as Sikhs, Jats, Rajputs, Gorkhas, and Dogras. The Court questioned the legal basis for such a demand, demanding to know which statute or constitutional provision grants the right to establish a community-based regiment. The counsel for Basoya was cautioned regarding potential costs for frivolous litigation.

After hearing lengthy arguments, the counsel ultimately decided to withdraw the petition, leading to its dismissal. The PIL argued that the Indian Army traditionally maintains ethnic-based regiments and that excluding the Gujjars undermines constitutional rights under Articles 14 and 16. It asserted that a Gujjar Regiment would enhance representation, recruitment, and national security, particularly given the community's presence in border states like Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan, which are critical for military and counter-insurgency operations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar