Supreme Court Seeks Progress Report In Suo Motu Case On Cadets’ Disability Benefits

The bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan sought clarity on the progress made so far, with Justice Nagarathna pointedly asking, “What are the instructions? What is the progress?”

Appearing for the Union, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested time to obtain detailed instructions. “Let me examine and come on April 2,” he told the Court.

The Bench recorded the submission, noting that in its earlier order dated March 10, 2026, the matter had been adjourned for further consideration. It observed that the Solicitor General now seeks time to apprise the Court of developments after obtaining instructions from the authorities concerned.

However, the Court made it clear that the issue cannot be treated lightly. Expressing concern over the pace of progress, Justice Nagarathna remarked, “Our concern is that if we take up something suo motu, it should not become insignificant.”

In response, the Solicitor General assured the Bench of the government’s commitment, stating, “It has to be taken seriously… it is our responsibility as officers of this Court.”

The case pertains to disability benefits for military cadets, an issue the Supreme Court had taken up on its own motion, reflecting its broader concern over the rights and welfare of armed forces personnel.

The matter will now be taken up on April 2, when the Union government is expected to place on record the steps taken and progress made in addressing the concerns flagged by the Court.

Notably, on March 10, the Court had recorded the submission of the ASG that the three service chiefs had already made positive recommendations aimed at improving the condition of cadets who were boarded out due to injuries or disabilities sustained during training. However, the matter remained inconclusive because the recommendations had not yet been approved by the Defence Ministry and the Finance Ministry.

The Bench had also noted that on January 20 it had granted six weeks’ time to the Union government to consider the issue. “However, there has been no progress in the matter. We fail to understand why, despite this Court taking up the issue suo motu, there has been no response from the Defence Ministry as well as the Finance Ministry,” the Court observed.

The Bench had further pointed out that the present time was particularly appropriate for addressing the matter, given that the Finance Act, 2026 was still under consideration. According to the Court, this provided an opportunity to account for the expenditure required to provide financial assistance to the affected cadets.

Taking note of the circumstances, the Court had adjourned the matter by two weeks to allow the Defence Ministry and the Finance Ministry to consider the recommendations made by the three service chiefs and take a decision on extending monetary benefits to the affected cadets.

Previously, in October 2025, the Court had asked the Centre to come up with a scheme for out-boarded military cadets so that they can be rehabilitated. "It is expected that a scheme of facilities and amenities would be provided to these out-boarded officer cadets so that they could be rehabilitated, both medically as well as otherwise, in their future life," the Court said.