Army clears Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit for Brigadier rank after 17-year legal battle
From arrest to acquittal and now promotion, Col Purohit's long legal battle takes a decisive turn. But how did a stalled career move back on track after years in limbo?
In a major development, the Indian Army has cleared Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit for promotion to the rank of Brigadier, marking a turning point in one of its most complex and prolonged legal cases.
The decision comes weeks after the Armed Forces Tribunal intervened to halt his scheduled retirement on March 31, 2026, allowing his pending promotion case to be reviewed.
The move caps a 17-year journey that saw the officer go from being an accused in a high-profile blast case to being cleared and reinstated in the system.
CAREER STALLED SINCE 2008 ARREST
Purohit’s career progression had remained effectively frozen since 2008 following his arrest in connection with the Malegaon blast case.
Although he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2017 and later returned to active service, his seniority and promotion prospects remained stuck in legal uncertainty for years.
ACQUITTAL TURNS THE TIDE
The turning point came on July 31, 2025, when a Special NIA Court in Maharashtra acquitted Purohit of all charges, citing lack of evidence and contradictions in the prosecution’s case.
Following the acquittal, he was promoted to the rank of full Colonel in September 2025, restoring part of his career progression.
TRIBUNAL INTERVENTION HALTS RETIREMENT
On March 16, 2026, a Bench led by Justice Rajendra Menon ruled that Purohit had a prima facie case to be considered for benefits and promotions at par with his juniors.
The tribunal ordered that his retirement be kept in abeyance until his statutory complaint on promotion was resolved, effectively keeping his service active.
Sources indicate that the Army’s clearance for his promotion to Brigadier acknowledges the years lost during his incarceration and trial.
If his career had not been interrupted, officers from his batch would have already moved into senior leadership roles. Some observers say he could have reached the rank of Major General under normal circumstances.