Army dismisses officer for sexual harassment

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has punished a Major General by dismissing him from service in relation to sexual harassment of a lady officer.
On Friday, the sentence was ‘promulgated’, meaning it was sent to the formation where the officer is currently posted and he was informed about it. Following an Army General Court Martial (GCM) of the officer — Major General MS Jaswal, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat confirmed the sentence awarded to him, officials said.

Officials added that dismissal from service means the withdrawal of retirement benefits, including pension, for the officer. The punishment is for a 2016 incident of alleged sexual harassment of a lady officer, when he was posted with the Assam Rifles in Kohima.

The lady, from the army’s Judge Advocate General branch, alleged that Jaswal misbehaved with her and would call her to his room in Kohima in the evening hours for official work.

The lady officer had filed a complaint against him, following which a GCM was ordered. He was later attached to an army formation in Ambala under 2 Corps for disciplinary proceedings.

The GCM held under the aegis of the Western Army Command had recommended dismissal from service for the Major General last December.

The recommendation was given after the officer was charged under the Indian Penal Code’s Section 354A (sexual harassment) and Army Act 45 which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers. The GCM’s sentence is sent to higher authorities for confirmation.

During the GCM’s proceedings, Jaswal denied the allegations. The GCM was headed by a Lieutenant General and comprised several other senior officers. He has already filed a plea with the Armed Forces Tribunal.

In a similar case, a Major General was held guilty by a GCM for allegedly molesting a woman officer serving under him on the pretext of teaching her yoga and meditation in his bedroom.