The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday strongly reprimanded a Black Cat Commando who sought exemption from surrendering before the police, citing his long-standing service and recent deployment in Operation Sindoor—India’s counterstrike following the Pahalgam terror attack.
In his appeal, the commando emphasised his two decades of service in an effort to support the exemption. "I am a part of Operation Sindoor, so I can only depart with one queue. I have served in the Rashtriya Rifles for the last 20 years as a Black Cat Commando, my Lord," the petition said.
The Supreme Court bench, which included Justices Vinod Chandran and Ujjal Bhuyan, clarified that military service does not confer legal immunity in criminal cases, even in high-risk counterterrorism operations. The bench was considering a Special Leave Petition (SLP) contesting a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that maintained a rigorous 10-year prison sentence in a case involving domestic abuse and dowries.
Also Read: SC advocates flag 'ED summons' issue, ask CJI to intervene
The court reacted angrily when the commando reaffirmed his participation in Operation Sindoor. Justice Bhuyan stated, "That doesn't give you immunity," before making the harsh remark, "How physically fit you are, you alone could have strangled your wife." The commando is convicted in this case because of the death of his wife. The current petition before the highest court was prompted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court's earlier dismissal of his appeal and upholding of his conviction and sentence.
The commando's attorney contended that the only significant accusation against his client was that two witnesses, who were both close relatives of the deceased wife, had demanded a dowry for a motorbike. However, the Supreme Court rejected the request for exemption from the law and refused to provide temporary relief. The prosecution has now received a notice from the court requesting a response to the Special Leave Petition. The court has instructed that the matter be returned within six weeks.
Also Read: SC transfers Tamil Nadu's ADGP case to CB-CID
Follow us
