Justice for Braveheart Cadets: Supreme Court's Push for Insurance and Rehabilitation

The Supreme Court took a significant step on Monday, advocating for enhanced insurance coverage and rehabilitation schemes for cadets injured or disabled during military training. This move aims to prevent injuries from acting as a deterrent for aspiring recruits, ensuring the armed forces attract the brave individuals needed for national defense.

A bench, comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan, addressed the Centre in a suo motu case, highlighting the plight of cadets discharged from training due to medical issues. The court encouraged the government to implement insurance options akin to group policies, potentially covering high-risk training scenarios, to alleviate financial strains on the government and the cadets.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati was urged to report on increasing ex-gratia compensation and implementing a rehabilitation program that incorporates injured cadets into desk roles. The court described such measures as social justice and requested a detailed response from the Centre by September 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)