Army chief age row: Unfortunate controversy, says defence minister Antony

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A K Antony today said the "unfortunate controversy" over Army Chief General V K Singh's age had come to an end with the Supreme Court judgement and asked his colleagues to close the chapter.

"I am very happy that this very unfortunate controversy is over. The judgement of the Supreme Court has come. I request my colleagues to please close this chapter and lets all work together to strengthen national security. National interest is supreme. Let us all work together," Antony told reporters.

The Supreme Court had ruled that the government decision on Singh's date of birth will apply to his service matters, forcing him to withdraw his petition. The apex court had, however, clarified that the judgement does not reflect on the competence and capability of the army chief.

Asked if General Singh has offered to resign in the wake of the judgement, Antony said, "Government has confidence in the present chief and that was conveyed to the Supreme Court also."