Today, the Supreme Court issued notice in Suo-moto petition based on a News Article titled, "Mounting medical bills, nowhere to go: Braveheart cadets disabled in military training struggle in shadows", regarding the issue of Cadets disabled during the Military training.

The Court issued notice to Union Of India, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Social Justice, among others.

A Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan put forward the following questions before the Respondents: If there could be any increase in the medical expenditure granted to Cadets; whether could be any insurance coverage for the trainee Cadets to meet any such contingencies; and, whether there could be any reassessment of the injured Cadets after their treatment to rehabilitate.

Advocate appearing for Cadets informed that a similar matter was also pending before the Delhi High Court.

At the outset, Justice Nagarathna noted that the Suo-Moto petition was taken based on the News Article featured in Indian Express highlighting the plight of Cadets training at the nation’s military institutes such as National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA), however, due to disability caused during such training could not join Forces.

The Supreme Court issued Notice to Union of India, Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Social Justice, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Force Staff, among others.

Justice Nagarathna remarked that at initial stages the Court will be focusing on increasing the quantum of medical expenditures; whether trainee cadets are covered by any insurance cover; and, whether any lump-sum Ex-Gracia was paid disabled Cadets.

The Court was informed by the Advocates appearing for the Cadets that there were many cases in which Ex-Gracia was not even paid to the Cadets and there was no insurance cover for the Cadets.

Justice Nagarathna suggested that if there would be a group insurance it might help to resolve the issue.

"The risk is very high. If we want people to come to the Force, if they are left high and dry due to possible injury, then, they will be disheartened and there will be no incentive as such. And, nobody can predict about such injuries. It is unfortunate...How many such injured persons are there...they are simply discharged", said Justice Nagarathna.

Further, Justice Nagarathna remarked that it was not on Cadets who were undergoing training that they met an accident and were disabled due to the same. The Bench also suggested that if such trainee Cadets were able to get back to the Forces in terms of Ancillary jobs or desk jobs.

"Even though they do not get Ex-Servicemen status they can still get some benefits because it is an accident. One is insurance, second is medical expenditure, third is rehabilitation", remarked Justice Nagarathna.

Subsequently, the Court recorded in its Order the following, "If there could be any increase in the medical expenditure granted to Cadets; whether could be any insurance coverage for the trainee Cadets to meet any such contingencies; whether there could be any reassessment of the injured Cadets after their treatment to rehabilitate."

Accordingly, the matter will be heard in September.

Cause Title: In Re: Cadets Disabled In Military Training Struggle (SMW(C) No. 6/2025 PIL-W)

Click here to read/download Order


Justice BV NagarathanaJustice R. Mahadevan

Pridhi Chopra

    Pridhi Chopra was earlier practicing as an Advocate in Delhi. She pursued B.A. (H) English from Gargi College, University of Delhi, and subsequently pursued a degree in Law.