Approval granted for conferring President's Medal for Gallantry on former cop: Centre to Supreme Court
The Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that it will confer the President's Medal for Gallantry on former police officer Vivek Singh Chouhan. This decision follows a long-standing legal dispute and a contempt of court case initiated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Why it matters
The case highlights the judiciary's role in holding government bodies accountable for administrative delays in recognizing public service and gallantry.
The Centre on Friday (August 21, 2026) told the Supreme Court that approval has been granted for conferring the prestigious President's Medal for Gallantry on a former police officer who shot dead two dacoits during an operation in 2003.
The Apex Court had in July expressed its displeasure over the Centre's non-compliance with a Madhya Pradesh High Court direction to confer the award on former police officer Vivek Singh Chouhan.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a decision has been taken and the President has approved the President's Medal for Gallantry to Mr. Chouhan.
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