Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Army Officer Dismissed Over Religious Parade Refusal
A Christian army officer named Lt Samuel Kamlesan was dismissed from the Indian Army because he refused to enter the inner parts of a temple and gurdwara during religious parades.
He said he wanted to respect his Christian faith and the religious sentiments of his troops.
The Army said his refusal hurt the morale and unity of the troops.
The officer claimed he was harassed and not given proper training opportunities.
The Army said they tried to counsel him and even involved other Christian officers and a pastor, but he still refused.
The court decided to uphold his dismissal.
Lt Samuel Kamlesan, a Christian officer, was dismissed for refusing to enter the inner shrine of a temple and gurdwara during religious parades.
He claimed he respected his troops' religious sentiments and remained present in the courtyard during the parades.
The Army argued that his refusal undermined troop morale and cohesion, which are essential for military duty.
Lt Kamlesan alleged harassment, including sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, and being denied training opportunities.
The Army countered that they made multiple attempts to counsel him, including involving other Christian officers and a pastor, but he remained firm in his decision.
- Who
- Lt Samuel Kamlesan, a Christian officer in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment
- What
- Dismissal from the Army over refusal to participate in religious parades
- When
- Dismissal ordered on March 3, 2021; High Court decision in May 2025
- Where
- 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Delhi High Court
- Why
- Conflict between religious beliefs and military duties regarding participation in religious parades
- Officer's Name
- Lt Samuel Kamlesan
- Regiment
- 3rd Cavalry Regiment (3 Cav)
- Commission Date
- March 11, 2017
- Dismissal Date
- March 3, 2021
- High Court Decision Date
- May 2025
- Religious Parades
- Mandir Gurdwara parade
- Troop Composition
- Sikh, Jat, and Rajput personnel
- Young Officers’ Course Cancellation
- Multiple times between 2018 and 2020