The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of a media report which highlighted the plight of armed forces cadets who were medically discharged following training accidents. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
The Supreme Court on Thursday (April 2, 2026) asked the Union government to explore the possibility of considering armed forces cadets medically as ‘ex-servicemen’ for reservation in government and semi-government jobs.
A bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna pointed out that most of the disqualified candidates were below the age of 30 and would need employment.
Amicus curiae, Senior Advocate Rekha Palli said they set out to serve the nation but their aspirations were cut short by injuries. Ms Palli urged the government not to leave them to fend for themselves.
Additional Solicitor General N. Venkataraman, on behalf of the Centre, said it would provide a comprehensive response to the issue.
In an earlier hearing, the government had informed the Supreme Court that cadets of the armed forces who were discharged due to disabilities attributable to or aggravated by military training were included in the Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Admission to ECHS would ensure that these disabled ex-cadets receive free medical care.
The court took suo motu cognizance of a media report which highlighted the plight of armed forces cadets who were medically discharged following training accidents.
“The risks associated with military training are very high. If nothing is done when cadets suffer accidents, people who look up to the armed forces and want to join would be disheartened. After all, these are accidents and not due to the negligence of the cadets,” Justice Nagarathna observed during a hearing last year.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 23:14 IST
