SC: Armed forces are answerable to the government
Q. According to the SC judgement on 28th Oct 2016, armed forces are answerable to the government. This is with regard to which action of the army?- Published on 01 Nov 16a. Surgical strikes in PoK
b. Surgical strikes across LoC
c. Both of the above
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Both of the above
The Supreme Court on 28th Oct 2016 indicated Armed Forces are answerable to the government, in the absence of which there would be martial law in the nation.
- Bench of justices Amitava Roy and U U Lalit observed this, while dismissing a plea seeking action against Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his alleged interference and claims regarding the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian army in PoK.
- Advocate ML Sharma had filed the plea.
- The plea indicated that Union Ministers including the Defence Minister claimed credit for surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army, for which they were not entitled.
- The plea also held that as per provisions of the Constitution, the President is the head of the armed forces.
- Armed forces action was being used for personal interests of a few, according to the plea.
- The apex court said the plea was not maintainable and it was dismissed.
