In Brief
A sailor in the Indian Navy was dismissed for striking a superior officer after the officer used abusive language. The Armed Forces Tribunal modified the dismissal to 75 days detention, finding the punishment excessive and considering mitigating circumstances. The Supreme Court dismissed the Union of India's appeal, holding that the Tribunal had jurisdiction to substitute the punishment and that its decision was neither arbitrary nor unreasonable. The Court directed the sailor's reinstatement within two months without back wages but with consequential benefits and pay fixation.
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