Archive · 20 Jul 2026
SC Displeased Over Centre's Delay in Awarding Gallantry Medal
The Supreme Court is upset because the government is not following a court order to give a brave police officer, Vivek Singh Chouhan, a special award called the President’s Gallantry Medal.
The officer shot two criminals during a dangerous operation many years ago.
The court wants the government to give him the award by August 15, but the government says awards should not be given because of court orders.
The court says if the government decides to give the award by the next hearing, they will consider the government's review petition later.
The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over the Centre's non-compliance with a high court order to confer the President’s Gallantry Medal on former police officer Vivek Singh Chouhan.
The Centre has filed a review petition, arguing that honours are conferred and not claimed through judicial directions.
The Supreme Court gave the Centre a final opportunity to comply with the order by July 29, 2025.
The high court had held the Union Home Secretary prima-facie guilty of contempt for failing to comply with its direction to confer the award.
Chouhan led an operation against dacoits in 2003, during which two dacoits were killed and he was injured.
- Who
- Vivek Singh Chouhan, a former police officer, and the Indian government
- What
- The Supreme Court's displeasure over the Centre's non-compliance with a high court order to confer the President’s Gallantry Medal on Chouhan
- When
- The incident occurred in 2003, and the Supreme Court hearing was on July 20, 2025
- Where
- The incident took place in Ghatigaon police station, Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- The Centre has filed a review petition against the high court's order, arguing that honours are conferred and not claimed through judicial directions
Centre's Position
Supreme Court's Position
Compliance with Court Order
Centre's Position
The Centre argues that honours are conferred and not claimed through judicial directions, and has filed a review petition against the court's order.
Supreme Court's Position
The Supreme Court insists on immediate compliance with the high court's order, expressing displeasure over the Centre's non-compliance.
Principle of Award Conferment
Centre's Position
The Centre maintains that the issue is a matter of principle and not against the individual officer, and that the award should not be conferred under a mandamus.
Supreme Court's Position
The Supreme Court acknowledges the principle but emphasizes the need for compliance with the court's direction, suggesting that the award could be conferred on August 15 if the government decides to do so.
- Officer Involved
- Vivek Singh Chouhan
- Award in Question
- President’s Gallantry Medal
- High Court Order Date
- December 9, 2024
- Supreme Court Hearing Date
- July 20, 2025
- Final Compliance Deadline
- July 29, 2025
- Contempt Proceedings
- Initiated by Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Incident Year
- 2003
- Magisterial Inquiry Outcome
- Clean chit for Chouhan