SC Slams Christian Officer As “Misfit For Army” For Refusing To Enter Gurdwara

The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticised former Army officer Samuel Kamalesan, a Christian lieutenant dismissed from service for refusing to enter a gurdwara to perform a puja, the NDTV reported.

The court backed the Army’s decision, calling him a “cantankerous man” and a “misfit” who had failed to respect the religious sentiments of fellow Sikh soldiers.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned his conduct, stating, “What kind of message is he sending? Gross indiscipline by an Army officer. He should have been terminated. This kind of cantankerous persons deserves to be in the military?”

The Chief Justice further added, “He may be an outstanding officer but he is a misfit for the Indian Army. The amount of responsibilities our forces have at this time... this is not what we want to entertain.”

Kamalesan, formerly serving in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, argued that entering the sanctum sanctorum of the temple would violate his monotheistic Christian faith.

He had defied a direct command from his superior, leading to disciplinary action.

In May, the Delhi High Court had upheld the decision, observing that Kamalesan “kept his religion above a lawful command from his superior”, and ruled, “This is clearly an act of indiscipline.” The court stated that his refusal violated “essential military ethos.”

During Tuesday’s hearing, Justice Joymala Bagchi noted that the officer had even gone against his pastor’s advice.

Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked, “When your pastor counsels you... you leave it at that. You cannot have your private understanding of what your religion permits. That too, in uniform...”

Appearing for Kamalesan, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that the Army had dismissed him for a single incident, despite his participation in festivals like Holi and Diwali.

However, the Supreme Court rejected the argument and refused to interfere in the dismissal.

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