If seniority only criterion, even computer would have selected an Army chief: Parrikar

Stressing that due procedures were “perfectly followed” by the government in appointing the new Army Chief, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said if seniority were the only criterion, then a computer could have selected service chiefs based on date of birth.

He added there would not have been need of any due process or Cabinet Committee for Appointment if seniority alone was the criterion. He was responding to a question on whether the government intends to go in for deep selection and setting aside seniority principle when it comes to selection of service chiefs.