Regulatory & Sector-specific
Defence and Armed Forces Law
Representation in service matters before the Armed Forces Tribunal, court-martial defence, and advice on defence procurement.
Defence and armed-forces law is a distinct field, with its own statutes, its own tribunal and its own procedures, separate from the ordinary civil and criminal courts. The firm advises and represents serving and retired personnel and their families in service matters and court-martial proceedings, and advises businesses on defence procurement and contracts.
These matters turn on service records, regulations and the procedure peculiar to the armed forces. The firm prepares them on that record and with respect for the framework that governs military service.
The Armed Forces Tribunal and service matters
The Armed Forces Tribunal, established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, hears disputes and appeals relating to service in the army, navy and air force, including matters of promotion, pension, discharge and conditions of service. The firm represents personnel before the Tribunal and advises on the further remedies available against its orders.
Court martial and discipline
Discipline in the armed forces is governed by the Army Act, 1950, the Navy Act, 1957 and the Air Force Act, 1950, under which court-martial proceedings are conducted. The firm advises and defends in court-martial and disciplinary matters and in the challenges that follow them, with attention to both the substantive law and the special procedure that applies.
Defence procurement and contracts
Supplying to the defence sector is governed by a detailed procurement framework, including the Defence Acquisition Procedure. The firm advises businesses on participating in defence procurement, on the contracts and compliance involved, and on the disputes that can arise out of them.
The legal framework
The principal statutes and the provisions that most often decide these matters. Statute text can be read in the firm's Legal Library; always check the current version at the official source.
Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 · Act 55 of 2007
- Service disputes — the tribunal for service matters and appeals from court martial in the armed forces.
Army Act, 1950 · Navy Act, 1957 · Air Force Act, 1950
- Service law — the discipline, offences and court-martial procedure of the armed forces.
Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020
- Procurement — the framework governing capital procurement for the armed forces.
Key judgments
Grouped by issue. Each case is cited from the court's own record; open a heading to read it.
Service matters & equality 1
Secretary, Ministry of Defence v. Babita Puniya Supreme Court
(2020) 7 SCC 469
Held that women officers in the Army are entitled to permanent commission on the same terms as men, rejecting a policy based on gender stereotypes as violative of Articles 14, 15 and 16.
Court martial & military justice 1
Lt. Col. Prithi Pal Singh Bedi v. Union of India Supreme Court
(1982) 3 SCC 140
Examined the court-martial system under the Army Act, holding that the principles of natural justice apply to military tribunals and underlining the need to balance military discipline with the individual liberty of service personnel.
How we work on these matters
The firm acts for serving and retired personnel and their families with care for the distinct framework that governs military service.
Service and court-martial matters are prepared on the service record, the regulations and the special procedure that applies.
On the procurement side, the firm advises businesses on the contracts and compliance together, and on the disputes that can follow.
Frequently asked questions
Where are service disputes in the armed forces decided?
Most service disputes and appeals, on promotion, pension, discharge and conditions of service, are heard by the Armed Forces Tribunal under the 2007 Act, rather than by the ordinary courts. The firm represents personnel before the Tribunal and advises on further remedies.
Can I be represented in a court martial?
Yes. Court-martial proceedings under the service Acts allow for legal representation, and the firm advises and defends in court-martial and disciplinary matters, with attention to both the substantive service law and the special procedure that governs them.
How does a business supply to the defence sector?
Defence procurement follows a detailed framework, including the Defence Acquisition Procedure, with its own qualification, contracting and compliance requirements. The firm advises businesses on participating, on the contracts involved, and on resolving disputes that arise.
This note is general information on the law as at Jun 2026, not legal advice on any specific matter. The law changes; for advice on your facts, please speak to the firm.
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