Nagpur: The valedictory function of Judge Advocates Basic Course, Ser-27 (JAC-27) was held at Institute of Military Law (IML) on December 23, 2017. Justice B P Dharmadhikari, Judge Mumbai High Court, Nagpur Bench presided over the valedictory function. The course was attended by 30 officers of Judge Advocate General Department of Indian Army and Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Total 24 officers successfully completed the course.
Justice Dharmadhikari, in his address on “Art of writing judgment” stressed upon the importance of law of precedent and explained the nuances of following the precedent and the correct way of understanding a ruling cited by an advocate. He further stated that discipline is the necessity and back bone of Army and needs to be followed and we need to be consistent about it and lead by example ourselves.
During the 12-week course duration, the student officers were trained in practical application of Military Law to ground situations. Officers were trained in the conduct of Courts Martial, Framing of Charges, effective defence of court cases before various courts including Armed Forces Tribunals. These officers are holding appointments of Assistant Judge Advocates General / Officers in Charge Legal Cell/ Assistant Adjutant General (Legal) at their respective Command Headquarters/Area/Sub Area HQ. They undertake legal work of diverse nature towards dispensation of justice and maintenance of discipline in the Armed Forces. The training imparted by Institute of Military Law also includes lectures by distinguished legal professionals.
In his concluding address, Brig Vijay Kumar, Commandant, IML, advised the officers to work hard in discharge of their duties in dispensation of legal advice. He asked them to render advice to serve the interest of justice. He exhorted them to keep themselves abreast with latest development not only in the field of Military Law but also in other allied laws. In the end, he congratulated all of them for successful completion of their course.
