Since the first Chief’s, that is, Gen. Carriapa the criteria, system, convention and custom of such an appointment are and have been:

  1. a) From fighting arm of service ie. AC/INF/ARTY/ENG.
  2. b) Senior most “Amongst Amy Commanders” (Operational command)
  3. Para 1 (b) was overlooked when Gen. Vaida superseded Gen. Sena, The reason obviously was political!? Why then Gen. S. R. ‘Choudhry though Senior, not given Operational Command?

‘The committee concerned to take decision, to nominate a general to such an appointment is, “Prime Minister and Defence Minister. No services officer is on the committee nor consulted! There is a “Chairman Joint Chief’s (Amy, Air, Navy) Committee” by seniority??? In the appointment of Gen. S. Choudhry the criteria deviated to “senior most amongst serving “Lt. Gen.’s.” If para 1 (b) system was maintained, then Lt. Gen. Surrender Singh would and should have been chief, the question is whether Politicians alone should decide the fate of Generals? Major Kirpal Singh Doel Brampton Ont. Canada

Article extracted from this publication >>  December 9, 1994