The Supreme Court of India has granted the central government an additional six weeks to formulate and submit its comprehensive response regarding the rehabilitation of officer cadets who suffered disabilities during their training at premier military institutes. This extension was approved on Tuesday, December 17, 2025.
Court Adjourns Hearing to January 2026
A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan agreed to the government's request for more time after hearing Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for January 28, 2026. In its order, the bench noted the ASG's submission that the recommendations from the three armed services are positive, but consideration by the Defence and Finance Ministries is still required.
The bench expressed its expectation that "sufficient progress will be made with regard to the consideration and approval of recommendations" by the next date of hearing. This case, which highlights the plight of cadets discharged due to training-acquired disabilities, was taken up by the Supreme Court on its own motion (suo motu). The court's intervention was prompted by investigative reports published in The Indian Express.
Government's Stance and Formulation of a Scheme
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that a formal scheme now needs to be crafted. This scheme requires the final approval of the Defence Ministry, which will consult with the Finance Ministry before presenting the finalized proposal to the Supreme Court. Bhati emphasized that the recommendations from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are constructive, paving the way for a potential resolution.
However, the process has not been without concerns regarding delays. Senior Advocate Rekha Palli, who is serving as the Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) in this significant matter, pointed out that similar recommendations had been proposed by various sub-committees in the past as well. Her observation underscores the need for timely and concrete action from the government to address this long-standing issue affecting the futures of young cadets.
Background and Significance of the Case
The Supreme Court's suo motu cognizance was a direct response to media revelations about the difficult circumstances faced by officer cadets. These individuals, who were undergoing rigorous training at top military academies to serve the nation, were discharged after sustaining disabilities during the course of their training. The case fundamentally questions the system of support and rehabilitation for these cadets, who made sacrifices in the line of duty even before their official commissioning.
The court's ongoing monitoring of this matter ensures sustained pressure on the executive to develop a fair and humane policy. The six-week extension provides the involved ministries a final window to collaborate and present a workable rehabilitation scheme, which will be scrutinized by the bench in late January 2026. The outcome is keenly awaited by military circles and disability rights advocates across the country.
