Today, the Supreme Court, while hearing the suo moto petition, appointed former Delhi High Court Judge Rekha Palli, to assist the Court in the matter pertaining to the struggles of cadets disabled during military training.

On August 18, 2025, 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 Military training.

The Bench of Justice B. V. Nagarathana and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra was hearing the matter.

ASG Aishwarya Bhati, appearing on behalf of the Union, submitted that all the cadets who had boarded out due to disability have been included in Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). However, there was no scheme with regard to resettlement of such cadets.

"Some scheme you have to come up...if they can do desk job, then you must give to them, as far as possible", said Justice Nagarathana.

Bhati informed the Court that for ex-servicemen, there are various schemes such as allotting Gas Agencies, Petrol Pumps, Security Agencies etc.

Thereafter, after hearing multiple issues raised by the private parties, Justice Nagarathana suggested appointing an Amicus Curiae in the matter.

The Court also suggested that the private parties not dilute the matter and said, "We are concentrating on persons who have suffered a disability owing to a fall, an accident...we are not expanding the scope."

Subsequently, the Bench recorded in its Order, "Therefore, efforts could be made to enhance the insurance cover for the out-boarded cadets also to expand it both quantitatively and qualitatively."

Further, the Court appointed former Judge, Justice Rekha Palli (Senior Advocate), as Amicus Curiae.

Accordingly, the matter will be heard on October 07, 2025.

Background

The Supreme Court took Suo-Moto petition based on a news article featured in the Indian Express highlighting the plight of Cadets training at the nation’s military institutes such as the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA), however, due to disability caused during such training could not join Forces.

Earlier, the Apex Court had issued notice to the Union of India, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Defence, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Social Justice, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Force Staff, among others.

While highlighting the issues faced by the cadets, Justice Nagarathna remarked, "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."

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

Justice BV NagarathanaJustice Prashant Kumar Mishra

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.