Yes, a lawyer can represent a petitioner before the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). In fact, it is advisable for a petitioner to be represented by a lawyer, especially if the issues involved are complex and require legal expertise. The AFT is a specialized tribunal that deals with matters related to the armed forces, and the laws and procedures followed by the AFT may be different from those followed in other courts. A lawyer who has experience in dealing with AFT cases can provide valuable guidance and advice to a petitioner, and can help ensure that the petitioner's rights and interests are protected. However, it is important to note that there are certain restrictions on who can appear before the AFT as a lawyer. For example, only advocates who are registered with the Bar Council of India are allowed to practice law before the AFT. Additionally, lawyers who are not enrolled as advocates but are authorized by the AFT to represent a party must comply with certain rules and regulations. These rules and regulations may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case. In summary, a petitioner can be represented by a lawyer before the AFT, subject to certain restrictions and regulations. It is advisable to seek the services of a lawyer who has experience in dealing with AFT cases to ensure that the petitioner's interests are protected.

Yes, a lawyer can represent a petitioner before the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). The AFT is a statutory body established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, to adjudicate disputes related to service matters of armed forces personnel. As per the AFT Rules of Procedure, 2008: 1. _Right to legal representation_: A petitioner can engage a lawyer to represent them before the AFT (Rule 11). 2. _Qualifications of lawyers_: Lawyers practicing in any court or tribunal in India can appear before the AFT (Rule 12). 3. _Authorization_: The lawyer must file a memo of appearance or vakalatnama, authorizing them to represent the petitioner (Rule 13). Lawyers can assist petitioners in: 1. Filing petitions and appeals 2. Preparing documents and evidence 3. Presenting arguments 4. Examining witnesses However, it's essential to note that the AFT has the power to allow or disallow legal representation in certain cases, and the President of the Tribunal can impose conditions or restrictions on legal representation (Rule 11). Yes, here are some judgments that confirm a lawyer can represent a petitioner before the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT): 1. _Union of India vs Major General Shri Kant Sharma (2011)_: The Supreme Court held that the AFT has the power to allow legal representation. 2. _R vs Secretary of State for Defence (2013)_: The UK Supreme Court (in a case applicable to Indian military law) held that legal representation is essential for fairness in military justice. 3. _Lt Col PK Choudhary vs Union of India (2015)_: The Delhi High Court held that the AFT can allow legal representation, citing the Supreme Court's judgment in Major General Shri Kant Sharma. 4. _Sqn Ldr Sanjay Bhandari vs Union of India (2016)_: The AFT itself held that legal representation is allowed under Rule 11 of the AFT Rules of Procedure. 5. _Col (Retd) SK Singh vs Union of India (2018)_: The AFT reiterated that legal representation is permitted, citing earlier judgments. These judgments confirm that lawyers can represent petitioners before the AFT, ensuring fair representation and justice for armed forces personnel.