Wednesday, June 29 2005 19:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: A military court today (Jun 29, 2005) ordered 'close arrest' of IAF Flying Officer Anjali Gupta during General Court Martial Proceedings after she reported late by nearly an hour today.

GCM took serious note that she did not report in time when proceedings began at 0900 hrs (IST). The Court directed the administration that she be kept under 'close arrest' from 0745 hrs (IST) till the end of the day's proceedings whenever GCM has its sittings.

When the court sought her explanation for the delay, Gupta said she was not provided a vehicle to go to IAF-run Institute of Aerospace Medicine for medical tests from the mess, and she went on her own.

The IAF Prosecutor submitted that Gupta was supposed to come at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment at 0745 hrs (IST) and board the vehicle from there.

The Court held that Gupta, who was facing charges of insubordination, indiscipline and irregularities, had disregarded the standard operative procedure.

Gupta was released from 'close arrest' on May 24 after medical tests and psychiatric evaluation by experts found that she had no suicidal tendencies. IAF had earlier contended that she had been held under 'close arrest' as she had reported to the women's commission that she might take her life.