The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant protection from arrest to a National Security Guard (NSG) commando accused of murdering his wife. The commando had requested exemption from surrender, claiming that he had served in Operation Sindoor, India’s recent counter-terror strike in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

But the top court made it clear that military service does not offer protection from serious criminal charges.

“That doesn't give you immunity. How physically fit you are, you alone could have strangulated your wife,” Justice Ujjal Bhuyan told the accused.

The commando is facing charges under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with dowry deaths. He is accused of killing his wife by strangulation.

Justice Bhuyan remarked on the "gruesome manner" in which the alleged crime took place, making it clear that the case did not qualify for relief from surrender. Justice Vinod Chandran also pointed out that the High Court had earlier refused to grant him any protection.

The commando’s lawyer argued that the only accusation against him was a demand for a motorcycle as dowry, and that the claim was made by two close relatives of his wife. The lawyer said their statements were “highly discrepant” and could not be fully trusted.

Despite the defence, the bench declined to grant the exemption.

The court did, however, agree to hear the commando’s Special Leave Petition (SLP) and issued a formal notice to the prosecution. The case will come up again after six weeks.

"We decline the prayer for exemption from surrendering. Issue notice on the SLP returnable in six weeks," the court said.

When the lawyer requested more time for the commando to surrender, the bench allowed two weeks for him to turn himself in.

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