Delhi HC seeks response from MoD over plea to curb private sale of military apparel, gear

The court listed the plea for further hearing on February 3 next year. Advocate K R Chitra, appearing for the NGO Fight for Human Rights, told the court that after the Pathankot incident the petition was filed and subsequently a representation was made before the competent authority, but no action was taken.

The court on July 20 this year had asked the ministry to treat the issue raised as a representation and take a decision within three months. She said that subsequent to the July 20 order, she had again made a representation to the government. However, no response was received and therefore, she has now again moved the court.

The advocate claimed that as per a January 8, 2016 notification issued by the Indian Army, civilians and private shopkeepers have been directed not to wear or sell military apparel and gear.

The NGO has sought steps to curb private sale and manufacture of military apparel, like uniforms, shoes, badges and other gear used by the armed forces which were being made by private industries in Ludhiana and Amritsar in Punjab and sold all over the country. One place where such articles are sold is at the Railway Market at Pathankot, the NGO has claimed.

The PIL has also sought that MoD be directed to handlewith immediate effect the responsibility of manufacturing, stocking and sale of military apparel and gear used by the armed forces, saying private shops do not check to whom they sell such articles.