JUDGMENT

A.K. SIKRI, J.

These two are cross appeals filed by both the parties to the lis. On the one hand is the Union of India, along with the Chief of Naval Staff as well as the Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters, Western Naval Command (hereinafter referred to as the ‘appellants’). On the other hand is Commander Ravindra V. Desai, a naval officer with Indian Navy (hereinafter referred to as the ‘respondent’).

2. On certain allegations against the respondent, he was served with charge-sheet containing ten charges which led to the court martial proceedings against him. Court Martial returned the finding of ‘guilty’ on all charges which led to imposition of sentence of dismissal from the naval service as well as forfeiture of 24 calender months of seniority. After exhausting departmental remedies, the respondent challenged its conviction before the Armed Forces Tribunal (for short, ‘AFT’). Finding certain reasons stated at the appropriate stage, the AFT decided to itself record the evidence on those charges by giving opportunities to both the parties. On the basis of evidence produced before the AFT, the AFT set aside the finding of ‘guilty’ in respect of three charges