The Indian military is subject to the Armed Forces Act, 1950, which acts as the primary source of military law in India. The Act provides for punitive measures for offences committed by members of the armed forces, with the intent of ensuring discipline and maintaining order in the military.
The charges, penalties, and punishments for offences committed under military law in India vary depending on the seriousness of the offence. Generally speaking, military offences are divided into two categories: minor offences and serious offences. Minor offences may include failure to obey orders, absence without leave, or insubordination, while serious offences may include desertion, mutiny, or other acts of violence.
For minor offences, the punishment may include a reprimand, forfeiture of pay, or reduction in rank. For more serious offences, such as desertion or mutiny, a court-martial may be convened, and the accused may be subject to imprisonment, dishonourable discharge, or even the death penalty. In addition, a member of the armed forces who is found guilty of a serious offence may be subjected to “cashiering†or dismissal from service.
In addition to the punishments outlined above, a member of the armed forces may also be subject to the forfeiture of privileges, such as the right to vote or hold public office. In extreme cases, a member of the armed forces may also be stripped of his or her medals or decorations and barred from re-enlistment.
Lastly, a member of the armed forces may be subject to disciplinary action for offences committed outside of military service. These offences may include criminal offences or civil offences, and the punishment may include a fine, imprisonment, or other measures.
In summary, the charges, penalties, and punishments for offences committed under military law in India vary depending on the seriousness of the offence. Minor offences may be punished with a reprimand, forfeiture of pay, or reduction in rank, while more serious offences may be subject to a court-martial, imprisonment, dishonourable discharge, or even the death penalty. In addition, a member of the armed forces may also be subject to forfeiture of privileges and disciplinary action for offences committed outside of military service.