Soban Singh vs Union Of India And Others

Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J

Heard learned counsel for the parties through Video Conferencing.

Petitioner is an Ex-serviceman, who retired from the post of Hawaldar but was designated as honorary Nayab Subedar.

Petitioner had made representations to the Army Authorities for grant of Gallantry Award for the act of bravery done by him, during 1965 and

1971-Indo-Pak War. His request for grant of Gallantry Award has been rejected by the Competent Authority vide order dated 23.08.2021, on the

ground that such awards are conferred within two calendar years from the date on which the act of gallantry is performed. Thus, petitioner’s

claim has been rejected, on the ground of delay.

Learned counsel for the petitioner has referred to Annexure No.3 to the writ petition, which is a news report, which goes on to say that “one

army officer was honoured after 70 yearsâ€​.

Perusal of the said news report reveals that the Army Officer concerned was not conferred Gallantry Award, but he was simply honoured by

constructing a memorial. Thus, petitioner cannot claim any parity with the said Army Officer, who was honoured, after 70 years as petitioner’s

claim is for Gallantry Award. Even otherwise also, this Court while exercising power of judicial review cannot direct the Government to confer

Gallantry Award to any person and it is for the concerned Authorities to decide, who is entitled for such award.

In such view of the matter, this Court declines to entertain this writ petition.

Accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed. No order as to costs.