Overview

• Defence sources confirmed Purohit’s reinstatement and promotion after Southern Command cleared his file and a pipping ceremony marked the move.
• An NIA special court on July 31 acquitted Purohit and six others, ruling that suspicion could not replace proof and highlighting inconsistent testimony and procedural lapses.
• The Bombay High Court has issued notices on an appeal by victims’ families challenging the acquittals, though the Army says any DV ban would return only if a conviction occurs.
• With a little over a year before retirement, officials are considering a special assignment, and legal routes remain open for him to seek restoration of seniority and pay.
• BJP figures, including Pradeep Bhandari and Union minister Giriraj Singh, hailed the promotion and attacked Congress, as photos of Purohit’s return to uniform circulated online.