Tuesday, May 17 2005 18:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: A military court today (May 17, 2005) gave IAF Flying Officer Anjali Gupta, who has been arraigned on charges of indiscipline, insubordination and financial irregularities, time till May 20 to procure a civil defence counsel.

After pronouncing the order, the General Court Martial (GCM) adjourned sitting to May 20. Gupta, who had repeatedly sought 20 days time to engage a defence counsel, categorically said she cannot bring in the counsel by that date.

Judge Advocate Sqn Ldr Suhag observed, "The Court has given its ruling, Now it's up to you to bring in the defence counsel or not". Her contention was she is in touch with a number of defence counsels in different parts of the country and written consent is expected in a day or two and she wants to visit their place personally to hand over "confidential documents" and she needed 20 days.

The Court, presided over by Gp Capt V Ganesh, termed her plea seeking 20 days time in this regard as "unreasonable". The Court said it's ready to consider her plea that sought a "reasonable time".

Meanwhile, IAF Prosecutor Wg Cdr R K Dubey, in his reply to the submission made by Gupta, said the Flying Officer was "unfit for retention in the Armed forces", her conduct was unbecoming of an officer and her "insulting and contemptuous language" against the court testifies to the insubordination charge.