JAG DEPARTMENT (ARMY) CELEBRATES 28TH CORPS DAY

UDHAMPUR: Its origin and evolution is closely linked with the evolution of military law in England and can be traced back to the British “Articles of War – 1385’.   

After the Great Revolution of 1688, suitable enactments which were needed to be made by the British Parliament from time to time for proper governance of Standing Army and Courts Martial that formerly derived authority exclusively from the Crown, received Statutory recognition for the first time in the “Articles of War – 1765”.  

In our country the appointment of Judge Advocate General was introduced in 1841.  The Judge Advocate General is responsible for the administration of Military Justice in all its varied aspects and deals in Courts Martial matters.   He is the legal advisor to the Chief of the Army Staff in matters of Military Martial and (in its fighting service aspects) International Law. The JAG Department celebrates its Corps Day on 21 ^st Dec, as on this very day in the year 1949 Bill for the present Army Act was introduced in the Parliament. 

The events for the celebration of the 28^th Corps Day of the JAG’s Department commenced with laying of Wreath by Brig Praveen Kumar Sharma, Deputy Judge Advocate General, HQ Northern Command at the War Memorial in reverence of those who laid down their lives for the Country.  Thereafter, a Tea Party was organized for all officers of HQ Northern Command.    

The GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen KT PARNAIK, UYSM, YSM, while appreciating the ardent and exemplary services of the JAG’s Department, extended good wishes to the officers, staff and their families.  He also recognized the untiring efforts of the JAG’s Department in dispensing and ensuring impartial and equitable justice across the rank and file to maintain high standards of discipline. The messages of the Chief of the Army Staff, Chief Justice of India and other dignitaries, received on the occasion of Corps Day, were also read out.  

A legal conference to discuss various glaring and complex issues pertaining to Military Law was also organized. While inaugurating the conference Lt Gen Balbir Pama, SM, COS, Northern Command, in his opening address asked the officers to maintain accuracy, compassion, discipline for functional necessity. Pointing towards the dynamism of Law, he asked the legal fraternity to keep in tune with changing time and be open to fresh thinking. 

On this occasion in his opening address Brig Praveen Kumar Sharma (Deputy Judge Advocate General) talked about the challenges being faced by the Department in terms of disciplinary cases particularly related to human rights and thus reiterated and reemphasised on upholding the Department’s  Motto “Nyaya Eva Dharm” i.e. ‘Justice alone is the Supreme Duty’, at any cost and in every circumstance. 

Department of the Judge Advocate General (Army) celebrates its 28^th Corps Day on 21^st Dec 11 with traditional gaiety and fervour at Udhampur based HQ of Northern Army.  This department has glorious past and is one of the oldest organs of the Indian Army.