Background
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted relief to a military cadet who sustained severe injuries during training in 1999. The petitioner had approached the court, seeking compensation and benefits, arguing that the injury suffered during official training had significantly impacted his career and quality of life.
The cadet was undergoing training when he suffered a debilitating injury, rendering him unfit for further service. However, despite his repeated representations to the authorities, he was allegedly denied due medical benefits and compensation. After years of pursuing his case through military channels, he finally sought judicial intervention.
Court’s Observations
- Duty of the Armed Forces to Provide Welfare Measures
- The court emphasized that the military has a duty to ensure proper medical care and rehabilitation for personnel injured during official training.
- It noted that injuries sustained during mandatory training should not be treated as personal setbacks but as service-related disabilities.
- Failure of Authorities to Address Grievances
- The High Court expressed concern over the prolonged delay in addressing the petitioner’s claims, stating that the authorities had failed to provide timely relief.
- It observed that unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles had deprived the injured cadet of his rightful benefits for over two decades.
- Right to Compensation and Medical Support
- The bench ruled that the petitioner was entitled to compensation, pensionary benefits, and continued medical treatment as per applicable military regulations.
- The court held that injuries sustained in the line of duty warrant financial and rehabilitative support from the armed forces.
- No Justification for Denying Benefits
- The judgment stated that the refusal to provide relief to the injured cadet was arbitrary and unjustified.
- The court directed military authorities to ensure that similar cases in the future are handled with greater sensitivity and efficiency.
Relief Granted by the Court
- Compensation: The petitioner was awarded financial compensation for the injury and its long-term impact.
- Medical Benefits: The authorities were directed to ensure continued medical treatment and support.
- Pensionary Benefits: The court ruled that the petitioner is entitled to applicable pension benefits as an injured serviceman.
Conclusion
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling reinforces the principle that military personnel injured in the line of duty must be treated with dignity and provided with necessary support. The judgment serves as a reminder to authorities to uphold their responsibility toward the welfare of servicemen and ensure timely redressal of grievances.