The Indian Army has cleared Colonel Shrikant Purohit for promotion to the rank of Brigadier, sources said, in a significant development following relief granted by the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). 

The AFT on Monday put on hold Purohit’s retirement from service, which was due on March 31, 2026, while hearing his plea challenging the denial of promotion and its impact on his career progression.

Purohit was acquitted in July last year in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. In his petition before the tribunal, he argued that the 17-year-long trial deprived him of his fundamental right to fair consideration for promotion and adversely affected his career trajectory.

Although he rejoined service after being granted bail in 2017, Purohit remained under suspension until July 2020. Even after the suspension was revoked, a Discipline and Vigilance (DV) ban continued against him.

As a result, while he was considered for promotion to the rank of Colonel in February 2021, the outcome was withheld.

He was informed about the consideration only after his acquittal, just months ahead of his scheduled retirement, and was told he had not been found fit for promotion.

Challenging the Army’s procedure, Purohit, through his counsel SS Pandey, argued that if he was deemed unfit, the result could not have been kept in a sealed cover.

He contended that this denied him not only two additional chances at promotion but also the opportunity to legally challenge the decision in time.

Purohit further stated that in the normal course of service, he would have risen to the rank of Brigadier by now and even become eligible for promotion to Major General.

He alleged that false accusations and procedural lapses had severely impacted his career growth.

Before approaching the tribunal, Purohit had written to the Chief of Army Staff on October 10, 2025, seeking a brief personal interaction regarding his promotion denial, but received no response.

He later filed a statutory complaint on February 10, 2026, requesting that he be considered at par with his batchmates.

Taking note of his plea, the AFT bench led by Justice Rajendra Menon, along with administrative member Rasika Chaube, issued notice to the Ministry of Defence and directed that Purohit should not be retired until his statutory complaint is decided.

With the Army now clearing him for promotion to Brigadier, the case marks a crucial turning point in Purohit’s prolonged legal and service battle, though outcomes will depend on the pending proceedings and formal processes.