The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) on Monday (March 16, 2026) stayed the retirement of Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, pending a decision on his statutory complaint on promotion and service benefits.

Colonel Purohit had approached the tribunal seeking promotion to the ranks of Colonel and Brigadier, arguing that his career progression was stalled due to his arrest and prolonged trial in the Malegaon blast case. He was arrested in 2008 and remained in custody until the Supreme Court granted him bail in 2017. He resumed duties thereafter and has been serving since. The officer was acquitted in the Malegaon blast case by a Special NIA Court in Mumbai on July 31, 2025.

In an order passed on March 16, a copy of which was accessed by The Hindu, a Bench headed by Justice Rajendra Menon observed that the officer had made a prima facie case for being considered for promotion and service benefits at par with his juniors.

The tribunal has also issued notice to the Union of India and other respondents, asking them to show cause why the relief sought by the officer should not be granted.

During the hearing, his counsel, Major S.S. Pandey (retd), argued that despite an unblemished service record of over two decades and strong performance reports after rejoining duty, his case for promotion was not considered.

Taking note of the acquittal and the circumstances of the case, the tribunal directed that his retirement be kept in abeyance until a decision is taken on his statutory complaint regarding promotion and service benefits.