Defence ministry to decide on row over army chief's age in 2 days

The defence ministry is examining the controversy over army chief General VK Singh's age and a decision is expected in a couple of days.

"I would not want to comment on that. I think that is being looked at in by the ministry," minister of state for defence MM Pallam Raju told reporters here today.

He was replying when asked to comment on the controversy after reports that the date of birth of Gen Singh was May 10, 1950, and not May 10, 1951, and if the latter date is accepted by the ministry he will retire in June next year.

Defence ministry sources said that the matter is under active consideration of the defence minister who would decide on the issue in a day or two.

They said all related documents, including the view expressed by the law ministry, would be taken into consideration by the defence ministry.

The law ministry had opined that Singh's correct date of birth is May 10, 1951, and not May 10, 1950, which he had accepted after controversy about his age surfaced around 2008 when he was being considered for appointment as eastern army commander.