Supreme Court Rebukes Centre Over Delayed Disability Benefits for Military Cadets

The Supreme Court criticised the Union government for failing to comply with an earlier direction to reconsider benefits for military cadets discharged because of training-related disabilities.

Background

The pending suo motu case concerns the status and financial support of cadets who are injured or disabled before entering regular military service.

Legal issue

The Court had directed reconsideration of recommendations on ex-serviceman status and disability pension in light of the Sabharwal Committee report.

Court’s approach

Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan questioned the absence of the required fresh consideration and emphasised compliance with judicial directions.

What follows

The Centre must respond to the compliance concerns. The Court did not announce a final uniform pension scheme at the reported hearing.