Can Armed Forces Tribunal Rule On Constitutionality Of Laws? Delhi High Court Seeks Centre’s Stand

The Delhi High Court sought the Defence Ministry’s response on whether the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) possessed the jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the constitutional validity of statutory provisions other than the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.

A Full Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justices C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla observed that the issue carried significant implications for personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The Court directed the Defence Secretary to furnish instructions and appointed Senior Advocate Gautam Narayan as amicus curiae.

The matter is listed for further hearing on November 28, 2025.

[Manish Kumar Giri alias Sabi Giri v Union of India & Ors.]