By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service

Fresh controversy has arisen over Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing the Army gear during his visit to Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir in 1921, to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers.  An Uttar Pradesh court has sent notice to the Prime Minister Office (PMO) in this regard.  It has been stated wearing of Army uniform by a civilian in public is a punishable offense.  

In November 2021, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces in the Nowshera district of Jammu and Kashmir wearing the Army gear.  

This is not for the first time the Prime Minister donned an Army uniform. He has been wearing the Army uniform from 2017 onwards, whenever he went to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers.  

India’s constitution does not allow any civilian to wear Army gear.  However, the armed force of the country owes its loyalty to the President of India, who is its Commander-in-Chief.