The Delhi High Court’s recent judgement upholding the dismissal of a commanding officer of the Indian Army, Samuel Kamalesan, for refusing to participate in weekly religious parades may appear harsh through a civilian lens.

However, in the disciplined structure of the Armed Forces, where duty, hierarchy, and unity take precedence, the decision is both justified and necessary. His refusal was not a one-off act of conscience but a repeated and defiant disregard of orders.

His superior officers had reminded him time and again of his responsibility to lead by example. Yet, he persisted in believing that participating in the unit’s weekly religious rituals compromised his personal faith. This belief stems from a flawed and........

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