Mon Mar 31 17:51:01 UTC 2025: ## Delhi High Court Upholds Disability Pensions for Army Personnel
**New Delhi, March 31, 2025** – The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of two army personnel, upholding Armed Forces Tribunal orders granting them disability pensions. The court rejected the central government’s appeal, emphasizing the inherent risks faced by soldiers serving the nation, often in challenging conditions.
The court cited former US President John F. Kennedy’s words on patriotism, contrasting the comfortable lives of many citizens with the sacrifices made by soldiers at the borders. Justice C. Hari Shankar and Justice Ajay Digpaul stated that the possibility of disease and disability is an inherent risk associated with military service. They argued that providing comfort and solace to disabled veterans is the least the nation can do in return for their selfless service.
The cases involved a former officer diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after serving from 1985 to 2015, and another officer from the Defence Security Corps suffering from peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The Centre argued that their conditions were not service-related as they were on “peace postings.”
However, the court dismissed this argument, stating that the onset of both illnesses occurred during their military service. The court emphasized that simply claiming a “peace posting” is insufficient; the Release Medical Board (RMB) has a responsibility to investigate the cause of the illness and determine its connection to military service. The court noted that stress from even “peace postings” can contribute to or exacerbate conditions like diabetes.
The High Court’s decision reinforces the responsibility of the nation to care for soldiers who become disabled while serving their country, regardless of the specific posting.
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