Court takes independent action to investigate hardships endured by military trainees with disabilities during training sessions
The Supreme Court of India has taken up a significant case to address the challenges faced by military cadets who incur disabilities during their training and are subsequently medically discharged without adequate support.
Initiated as a suo motu case by the court, the aim is to alleviate the struggles faced by these cadets, who often find themselves without the benefits and protections they deserve. The case has been assigned to Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan, who are seeking the response of the Union government, as well as various defense and social welfare ministries.
Key developments in the case, as of August 2025, include the court taking cognizance of a report that revealed many cadets injured during training at institutions like the NDA and IMA are discharged without ex-serviceman status, thereby losing disability pensions and healthcare benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
The court has issued notices to the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Social Justice, and others, as well as the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, seeking their input on providing better compensation (currently capped at Rs 40,000), insurance coverage, and exploring rehabilitation options such as desk jobs or re-induction possibilities.
The bench has emphasized that disabilities sustained during training should not be a deterrent to serving the nation and that institutional mechanisms must be put in place for their welfare. The case is scheduled for further hearings on September 4, 2025, with the court awaiting detailed responses and proposals from the government.
In summary, the Supreme Court is actively examining how to extend protections and benefits under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, as well as other measures for disabled cadets from military training. The matter remains pending with government responses awaited, and further hearings scheduled soon.
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