Supreme Court Upholds Army Officer's Dismissal for 'Disrespecting Troops' Faith'
The Supreme Court describes Samuel Kamalesan's conduct as 'the grossest kind of indiscipline' and said he was a 'misfit for the Army'
Nov 26, 2025 - The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the dismissal of an Indian Army officer and delivered a stern reprimand, ruling that there is no place in the Armed Forces for an officer who insults the religious sentiments of soldiers. In the Samuel Kamalesan vs Union of India case, the Court observed that by refusing to participate in a religious event, the officer had disrespected the faith of the soldiers under his command, whereas as a Commander, he was expected to set an example. The Court called his conduct “the grossest kind of indiscipline” and said he was a "misfit for the Army".
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made these remarks while dismissing the appeal filed by Lieutenant Samuel Kamaleson challenging his removal from service. The Delhi High Court had on May 30 upheld Kamaleson’s termination calling it a violation of “essential military ethos”.
The appellant’s lawyer, advocate Gopal Shankaranarayanan, argued that Kamalesan was an outstanding officer and had been dismissed on a single ground, despite having a fundamental right to religious freedom under Article 25 of the Constitution which cannot be taken away merely because he had joined the Armed Forces.
The CJI rejected this argument, saying, “You may be outstanding in 100 things, but the Indian Army is known for its secular approach. You have failed to respect the sentiments of your own soldiers. Your religious arrogance is so great that you do not care about others. You are a misfit for the Army.”
Kamalesan was the troop leader of Squadron B in a cavalry regiment that included Sikh personnel. He was accused of refusing to participate in religious rituals at his regiment’s temple and gurdwara despite instructions from senior officers. He reportedly said that, as a follower of the monotheistic Christian faith, his religion did not permit him to visit the place of worship of another religion.
Owing to this act of indiscipline, Kamalesan was dismissed from the Indian Army.
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