Justice SR Pandian Commission of Inquiry does not relate to Pathribal case. However, CBI had presented a Challan in the Pathribal case before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) cum Spl. Magistrate CBI, Srinagar on 9.5.2006 wherein they indicted 5 Army personnel for these killings.
The Court of CJM, Srinagar issued notice to Army authorities regarding taking over the case for disposal under Army Act.
The validity of the action taken by the CJM was challenged by the Army on the ground that prior sanction of the Central Government ought to have been taken as per Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1990. However, the application of the Army was disallowed by CJM, Srinagar.
The Army challenged the matter before the High Court of J&K at Srinagar, which was also dismissed. Aggrieved by this, a SLP was filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. In terms of the Judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court, the case was taken over by the Army.
As per laid down legal procedure under relevant Army Act and Army Rules, Hearing of Charge was conducted and Summary of Evidence was recorded from witnesses in the case.
After examining the evidence contained in the Summary of Evidence, prima-facie case against these 5 Army personnel was not established and the case was therefore closed by Army. Meanwhile, CJM, Srinagar has asked for certain information from Army in this case.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri G.N. Ratanpuri in Rajya Sabha today.
