The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the appointment of Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag as the next Army Chief. General Suhag is to take over the charge of Army Chief from August 1.

The apex court said there is no urgency to stay the appointment of Lt Gen Suhag as pleaded by Lt Gen Ravi Dastane. The Centre also justified the appointment, saying there is nothing in the allegations levelled by Lt Gen Dastane.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Lt Gen Dastane alleging favouritism in the selection of Lt Gen Suhag as the next Army Chief.

The UPA-II government had named Lt Gen Suhag as the Army Chief to succeed incumbent Gen Bikram Singh when he retires on July 31.