No Fly List Or Court Martial? Here's What Lies Ahead For Army Officer Who Attacked SpiceJet Crew

Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 17:55 IST

According to SpiceJet’s official statement, the altercation began as passengers were boarding flight SG-386 to Delhi when the army officer tried to carry a 16-kg cabin luggage

CISF personnel removed him from the area, but he returned minutes later and launched a violent assault using his fists, kicks, and even a metal Q-stand as a weapon (News18 Hindi)

A disturbing video from Srinagar Airport, now circulating widely, shows a man unleashing a brutal assault on SpiceJet ground staff. The man, later identified as an Indian Army officer, is seen repeatedly kicking and punching airline employees, one of whom was fell unconscious during the assault. SpiceJet has described the attack as a “violent beating like murder".

The incident took place on July 26, but the disturbing footage surfaced nearly a week later, sparking outrage and raising urgent questions about accountability, possible arrest, and whether the officer enjoys any legal immunity.

What triggered the violence?

According to SpiceJet’s official statement, the altercation began as passengers were boarding flight SG-386 to Delhi. The army officer allegedly tried to carry a 16-kg bag into the cabin, more than double the 7-kg limit. When the ground staff asked him to pay the extra charge or check in the bag, an argument broke out. The officer reportedly ignored repeated warnings and attempted to force his way through the aerobridge.

CISF personnel removed him from the area, but he returned minutes later and launched a violent assault using his fists, kicks, and even a metal Q-stand as a weapon. Four airline employees were seriously injured. One suffered a spinal fracture, another a deep jaw injury. SpiceJet says one of the staffers lost consciousness during the beating, yet the officer kept attacking.

Has any action been taken?

SpiceJet has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at the Humhama police station. The airline has also submitted CCTV footage and video evidence from passengers. The FIR invokes several IPC sections:

• Section 325 (grievous hurt),
• Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt),
• Section 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and
• Section 506 (criminal intimidation).

If the medical reports confirm grievous injuries like spinal fractures, the charges could be upgraded to non-bailable offences.

From the aviation regulatory side, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) categorises such behaviour under Level 2 or Level 3 of unruly passenger conduct. Level 2 (physical assault) can trigger a flying ban of up to six months, while Level 3 (life-threatening actions) could lead to a ban of two years or longer. SpiceJet has already begun the process to place the officer on the national No-Fly List.

What about the army?

The Indian Army has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that an internal probe has been initiated. Even though the officer was reportedly off-duty and in civilian clothes, the military can still initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Army Act. Depending on the findings, actions can range from a formal Court of Inquiry, loss of seniority, or salary cut, to suspension or even dismissal from service.

If the civil case proceeds in parallel, the army may also initiate a separate court-martial, depending on the severity of the misconduct.

Can he be arrested?

Under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), military personnel cannot be arrested for acts committed while on official duty without prior sanction from the Centre or the Army. However, if the act was committed while off-duty, the local police have the power to arrest without needing army clearance.

In this case, the officer was not in uniform and was acting as a civilian passenger. That means, in theory, the Jammu & Kashmir Police can proceed with arrest and custodial interrogation without waiting for army consent. However, protocol often involves informing the Army and coordinating the process. In many cases, the army itself may choose to hand over the individual for civilian prosecution.

Does the army officer get any special legal exemption?

Legally, no. Army officers are subject to the same criminal laws as civilians when not performing official duties. There is no automatic immunity under law. However, in practice, procedural delays and institutional coordination often slow down enforcement. Public pressure and the high-profile nature of this case could alter that.

So what happens now?

More than a week has passed since the July 26 incident, yet there has been no confirmation of the officer’s arrest or suspension. While both the airline and the army claim to have initiated action, there is growing public demand for transparency and accountability.

Whether the officer faces jail time, suspension, or both depends on how quickly the local police and the military follow through with their respective investigations.

Location :

Srinagar, India, India

First Published:

August 04, 2025, 17:55 IST

News explainers No Fly List Or Court Martial? Here's What Lies Ahead For Army Officer Who Attacked SpiceJet Crew

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