PIL In SC Seeks Review Of Agnipath Scheme And SIT Probe Into Violent Protests
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to enquire into the violent protests that have happened in the country against the "Agnipath" scheme of recruitment to the armed forces.
The Petitioner has also asked for a committee under the chairmanship of a retired Supreme Court Judge to examine the Agnipath Scheme itself.
The PIL filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari says that since the launch of the scheme, the country is facing severe and uncontrolled mass violence and protests. Petitioner has submitted that this protest has led to the loss of public property as trains were set on fire and highways were blocked. The petition says that the protestors have targeted the houses of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Bihar BJP President.
Vishal Tiwari had also put forward the view of the protestors and submitted that the concern about the scheme, the length of service i.e. 4 years is not reasonable, as also the absence of pension benefits. "As opined by various experienced Military Veterans, this scheme of contractual fixed recruitment could compromise on training, morale and commitment in comparison to the permanent recruits. Such experimental radical change in the structure and pattern of the military can lead to severe strategic uncertainties which could compromise the national security of the country", the petition says.
Vishal Tiwari had prayed in his petition for:-
1. Directions to Setup a Special Investigation Team to enquire about the Violent protest emerged against the Proposed scheme "Agnipath" launched by the Government and to enquire about the damage caused to the public property including Railways.
2. Directions to the Respondents immediately to submit a Status Report on the Violent protest emerged against the Proposed scheme "Agnipath" launched by the Government.
3. Directions to Setup An expert committee under the Chairmanship of Retired Honourable Supreme Court judge to examine the Scheme "Agnipath" and its impact on National security and the Army of our nation.
4. Directions to appoint Claim Commissioner under the Guidelines of the Judgement dated 16-4-2009 passed by the Supreme Court of India.
The petitioner has arrayed the Union of India through the Home and Defence Ministries and the states of UP, Telangana, Bihar, Haryana and Rajasthan as respondents in the petition.
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