"Disability Pension" : Supreme Court Sets Aside Decision of HC and Grants Disability Pension

"Disability Pension" : Supreme Court Sets Aside Decision of HC and Grants Disability Pension

In an interesting case, the HC has allowed the appeal of Defence Ministry where issue was related to grant of disability pension. That decision was challenged before SC. 

Regulation   173   of   Pension   Regulations   for   the   Army, 1961  relates   to   the   primary   conditions   for   the   grant   of disability pension. From Rule 5 we find that a general presumption is to be drawn   that   a   member   is   presumed   to   have   been   in   sound physical and mental condition upon entering service except as to physical disabilities noted or recorded at the time of   entrance.     If   a   person   is   discharged   from   service   on medical ground for deterioration in his health it is to be presumed   that   the   deterioration   in   the   health   has   taken place due to service.

The onus of proof shall lie on the employer ­respondents   in   terms  of  Rule   9   and   not   the claimant   and   in  case   of  any  reasonable   doubt   the   benefit will go more liberally to the claimants.

It was finally concluded that the petitioner in this case is entitled for disability pension even though it was denied by administrative authorities.

For more details refer Dharmavir Singh v. UOI [2013] GCtR 6493 (SC).