Archive · 17 Dec 2025
SC Grants Govt More Time on Disabled Cadets
The Supreme Court appointed an Amicus Curiae to look into the issues faced by officer cadets who got disabled during their military training.
The Amicus suggested that these cadets should get disability pension, medical facilities under the ECHS, and support for rehabilitation and resettlement.
These suggestions are similar to a proposal made by the Department of Military Affairs in 2022, which had the agreement of all stakeholders.
The Amicus also suggested creating a special cell for the rehabilitation of these cadets and a one-time financial package for those who are boarded out on medical grounds.
However, despite the comprehensive proposal, there has been a delay in its implementation, which has been criticized by those fighting for the rights of these cadets.
The Supreme Court has asked the Army, Navy, and Air Force to look into these suggestions and will hear the response on January 28, 2026.
Amicus Curiae's suggestions for disabled officer cadets align with the 2022 DMA proposal.
Proposals include disability pension, ECHS benefits, and rehabilitation support.
2022 proposal had the concurrence of all stakeholders, including defence services.
Supreme Court has granted the government six more weeks to respond to the recommendations.
Hearing adjourned to January 28, 2026.
- Who
- Officer cadets disabled during military training, Amicus Curiae, Department of Military Affairs, Supreme Court
- What
- Proposals for disability pension, ECHS benefits, and rehabilitation for disabled officer cadets
- When
- 2022 proposal by DMA, Supreme Court's suo motu cognizance in 2023, hearing adjourned to January 28, 2026
- Where
- India, Supreme Court, Defence Ministry
- Why
- To address the concerns of disabled officer cadets and provide them with a dignified future
- Amicus Curiae
- Appointed by the Supreme Court to address the concerns of disabled officer cadets
- DMA Proposal
- Department of Military Affairs' 2022 proposal addressing disability pension and ECHS benefits
- ECHS
- Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, providing medical facilities to ex-servicemen
- Ex Gratia
- Monthly financial assistance given to disabled cadets, not linked to disability pension
- Supreme Court
- Initiated suo motu cognizance of the issue based on reports in The Indian Express
- Stakeholders
- Included defence services, concurred with the 2022 proposal
- Cadet Rehabilitation
- Suggestions include prosthetics, physiotherapy, mental health support, and resettlement schemes
- Financial Package
- One-time financial assistance proposed for cadets boarded out on medical grounds
Sources
Amicus key suggestions on disabled cadets similar to DMA’s 2022 proposal, no implementation yet
SC allows Centre 6 more weeks to respond to recommendations on rehabilitating officer cadets who sustained disabilities
