New Delhi: The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army soldier who refused to enter a temple and gurdwara during collective regimental activities, calling his conduct “gross indiscipline.” A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the Army demands absolute discipline and described the soldier as an “absolute misfit” for placing personal beliefs above lawful commands.

The soldier had earlier challenged his dismissal in the Delhi High Court, arguing that his Christian faith prevented him from entering the sanctum sanctorum of other religious places. He claimed to have maintained a clean six-year service record and insisted that he avoided only those activities that conflicted with his conscience. The High Court, however, upheld his termination, stating that he had prioritised personal beliefs over military duty.

Reaffirming the High Court’s view, the Supreme Court stressed that discipline is the backbone of the armed forces and that a commander must lead by example. The court noted that by refusing to join his regiment in collective activities, the soldier undermined unity and insulted the troops he was supposed to lead. His appeal was dismissed, confirming his removal from service.