In Brief
An airman in the Indian Air Force applied for civilian employment with the Bank of India without completing the mandatory seven years of service and without prior permission from his unit, in breach of AFO 14/2008. After a provisional discharge was granted following AFT interim orders, the Air Force rejected his application on the ground of non-compliance and cancelled the NOC. The Supreme Court held that armed forces personnel do not have an unqualified right under Article 19(1)(g) to leave service during engagement, as such rights are restricted under Article 33 for discipline and operational needs. The Court granted a final discharge subject to the appellant depositing Rs 3 lakhs as compensation for training costs incurred.
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