Summary: The Delhi High Court is handling a case involving Ex-Flight Lieutenant MPS Godara. The court wants to make a quick decision, but there have been several delays because some tribunal members have stepped away from the case.
On December 8, 2025, the Delhi High Court, with Judges C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla in charge, looked at a petition from the State through the Chief of the Air Staff against Ex-Flight Lieutenant MPS Godara. The case has been dragging on, with Godara defending himself.
Several tribunal members, including Judge Anu Malhotra, have stepped away from the case. Judge Malhotra did this because of her earlier comments on related decisions. An email from the tribunal on December 5, 2025, said that even the Chairperson and two other members have stepped away. This has made it tough to form a panel in Delhi.
“It is not possible to convene any appropriate Bench which could hear the matter in Delhi.”
Because of the members stepping back, the tribunal suggested moving the case to Bombay, where more members are available. However, Godara, who is currently unemployed and lives in Delhi, asked for the case to stay in Delhi for convenience.
The court understood Godara’s situation and asked the main tribunal in Delhi to handle the case unless Godara agrees to move it to Bombay.
“We request the Principal Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal at Delhi to decide this case without transferring it to Bombay, unless the respondent is agreeable thereto.”
The court asked the tribunal to resolve the case within six months, depending on member availability. They also mentioned that they cannot control tribunal procedures but hope for a quick resolution.
“We again request the Tribunal to take a decision on the respondent’s petition... within a period of six months from today.”
The court ended the application with these instructions, aiming to finally bring some closure to Godara’s long-standing case.
