On May 28, 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the creation of a dedicated “Gujjar Regiment” in the Indian Army. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, labeled the petition as “absolutely divisive” and declined to entertain it.

The PIL was filed by Rohan Basoya, who argued that the Gujjar community, despite its “rich martial legacy,” has not been granted a dedicated regiment, unlike other communities such as Sikhs, Jats, Rajputs, Gorkhas, and Dogras. Basoya contended that this exclusion violates constitutional rights under Articles 14 and 16, which pertain to equality and equal opportunity in public employment.

During the proceedings, the court questioned the legal basis for such a demand, asking, “Which provision of the Constitution of India or any other enactment or customary law gives the right to have a regiment of persons of a particular community?” The bench emphasized that there must be a statutory or constitutional right to seek such a directive.

After deliberation, Basoya’s counsel, upon instructions from the petitioner, chose to withdraw the petition. Consequently, the court dismissed the case as withdrawn.

This decision underscores the judiciary’s stance against community-based regiments in the Indian Army, emphasizing the importance of unity and non-discrimination in national defense forces.

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