In a landmark decision, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has ruled that the widow of a soldier who went missing 46 years ago is entitled to pension arrears from 1993. The soldier, Naik Ram Singh, disappeared during a military operation in 1977 and was later presumed dead. His wife, Kamla Devi, had been fighting for his pension benefits for decades.
Legal Battle and Tribunal Ruling
The case was taken up by the AFT, which observed that the soldier should be considered dead under the 'Presumption of Death' clause. The tribunal directed the Army to pay arrears from 1993, when the presumption of death was legally established, along with interest. The decision brings closure to a long-standing grievance of the family.
Background of the Case
Naik Ram Singh was part of a patrol in a sensitive area when he went missing. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him was found. For years, the family struggled without any financial support, as the Army maintained that he was missing and not dead. The AFT's ruling now ensures that the family receives the benefits they were entitled to.
The tribunal also noted that the delay in processing the case was unfortunate and that the family should not suffer due to administrative lapses. The Army has been asked to implement the order within three months.
Reactions and Impact
Kamla Devi expressed relief and gratitude, stating that the long wait has finally ended. Legal experts say this case sets a precedent for similar cases of missing soldiers. The decision underscores the need for timely resolution of such matters to prevent undue hardship to families.
The AFT's ruling is seen as a step towards ensuring justice for the families of soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the nation. It highlights the importance of legal mechanisms in addressing grievances related to defense personnel.
