Himachal’s HC Orders To Bestow Gallantry Medals Only At Independence Or Republic Day

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Name of case: Vikas Sharma Vs. UOI and others with the coram of Hon’ble Justice Sureshwar Thakur
• The High Court of Himachal Pradesh recently noted that bravery awards must be awarded to reward display of courage.
• The bench of Justice Sureshwar also found that the presentation of medals directly to the awarded courier is a violation of protocol, via, the concession of honor.
• It was stated that the promptness in the manufacturing of medals prompts bestowment upon the awardees concerned only in Republic Day and Independence Day functions, which will ensure that the act(s) of bravery remain brightened and hopeful.

SUMMARY OF THE CASE FACTS

• The Court became aware of the statement of a certain Vikas Sharma, who claimed before the Court that his award had been sent to him by courier and then presented to him by the Honorable Chief Minister at the celebration of Himachal Day.
• It was also alleged that the award was presented to him after more than a three-year hiatus from the prescribed standards for the presentation of the award.
• He was nominated for the Medal of Gallantry Service in 2000, but the medal was presented to him in April 2009 and it was sent to him by express delivery.
• It was also noted that the recipient did not receive any money or other benefits.

WHAT THE CASE UNFOLDED INTO

• The State responded that the delay in the presentation of the Medal of Valor on Republic Day or Independence Day was the fault of the Superintendent of the Mint.
• The Government of India, Alipore, Calcutta, had delayed holding the medal because of the slow manufacturing rates.
• The court, therefore, held that the Superintendent of the Indian Government Mint, Alipore, Calcutta, had notified the official why they had violated protocol. The medals were communicated and sent ahead by themselves with the plaintiff.
• Finally, the Court issued the following ruling that it considered convenient that the respondents when granting permission, indicate the name (s) of the respective recipient (s) in the reverse list.
• In return, they asked to ensure the timely production of medals and ensure the timely delivery of medals to recipients in time for Republic Day or Independence Day.
• The timeliness of the medal's manufacture, as well as its on-time delivery for winners who are only interested in the Republic Day and Independence Day functions, will ensure that the healthy activity of honoring celebrities with medals or awards of gallantry remains meaningful.

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