The best way out

"While the Supreme Court may have forced General V.K. Singh to withdraw his petition, it is important to highlight there was no slur on his integrity, which the Bench said it had complete faith in. Nothing can take away from General Singh's ability and accomplishments. He is widely recognised as a brilliant strategist and as a reform-oriented officer who tried hard to restore the image of an Army whose image had been blighted by corruption scandals such as Adarsh and Sukna."

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The best way out: In a way, the Supreme Court has pulled off a diplomatic coup. By ensuring that the petition is withdrawn, it has avoided the ugly situation. The Court must have been aware of the implications of making an exception for General Singh on the age issue viz. promotions of other senior Army officials, and the morale of the entire 13 lakh strong army.

All in all, the Court found the best way out of a tricky impasse.

A battle without winners

"The row over General V.K. Singh's age has created fissures between the Army and the Ministry of Defence. The main victim is the modernisation of the Army."

The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : A battle without winners: Irrespective of the outcome of the Mexican stand-off between General V.K. Singh and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over his disputed date of birth, both the Army and the Defence Ministry are eventually bound to be the losers in equal measure.

It's a hazy view from the government's trenches

"The ‘age row' reflects historical developments in civil-military relations."

The current impasse reflects certain related but distinct trends. The military sees itself as superior to society in terms of values that it inculcates and espouses. In reality, it is no longer detached from politics, including manipulating processes. On the civilian side, there are equally disconcerting trends, including a lack of appreciation of the needs of the military. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : It's a hazy view from the government's trenches

The solution suggested by military opinion, particularly retirees who can speak more openly than those in uniform, is to reduce civilian control by the introduction of a Joint Chiefs of Staff, who would be the de-facto commander-in-chief of the military with an impact on the role of the Ministry of Defence in civil-military relations. 

A good starting point for improving civil-military relationship will be to carefully review the material that deals with civil-military relations in the staff colleges, and use case studies, including the present ‘age row' and from abroad, to shape principles and processes of civil-military relations appropriate for us.