The Armed Forces Tribunal on March 16 stayed the retirement of Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, pending a decision on his promotion and service benefits. Purohit argued his career progression stalled due to his 2008 arrest and prolonged trial. The tribunal issued notice to the Union of India.
On March 16, 2026, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) stayed the retirement of Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, who was acquitted by a Special NIA Court in Mumbai on July 31, 2025, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Purohit approached the tribunal seeking promotion to Colonel and Brigadier ranks, along with service benefits, claiming his career stalled due to his 2008 arrest and extended trial. He received bail from the Supreme Court in 2017 and resumed duties afterward. A bench led by Justice Rajendra Menon noted in its order that the officer had made a prima facie case for promotion consideration and benefits on par with juniors. The tribunal issued notice to the Union of India and other respondents, asking them to show cause against granting the relief. His counsel, Major S.S. Pandey (retd), argued that despite over two decades of unblemished service and strong performance reports post-rejoining, his promotion case was overlooked. Noting the acquittal and case circumstances, the tribunal directed that retirement remain in abeyance until a decision on his statutory complaint regarding promotion and benefits.
