The Armed Forces Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi, has taken up an important disability pension matter involving a retired senior officer of the Indian Air Force. The case titled Air Cmde Ravi Sharma (Retd) vs Union of India & Others, was listed for admission hearing on 26 November 2025. After considering the submissions made by Advocate Sharvan Singh Tanwar at the preliminary stage, the Tribunal issued notice to the Government of India through the Ministry of Defence and directed the respondents to file their reply within a period of four weeks.
The applicant, Air Commodore Ravi Sharma (Retired), has approached the Armed Forces Tribunal seeking grant of disability pension for Primary Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Type-2. According to the applicant, both medical conditions developed or were aggravated during the course of his military service due to prolonged exposure to service-related stress, demanding duties, and the peculiar conditions of armed forces service. Despite long and dedicated service, his claim for disability pension was rejected by the competent authorities, leading him to seek judicial redressal.
At the admission stage, the Tribunal found that the issues raised by the applicant merit detailed examination. Claims relating to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have repeatedly been subject to judicial scrutiny, and courts have consistently held that such conditions cannot be mechanically termed as non-attributable to service. The Tribunal’s decision to issue notice indicates that it considers the matter fit for adjudication on merits, particularly in view of settled legal principles governing disability pension.
Advocate Sharvan Singh Tanwar appeared on behalf of the applicant and advanced arguments highlighting that the rejection of disability pension is contrary to law. It was submitted that military service is fundamentally different from civilian employment, involving high levels of physical, mental, and emotional stress. When a service officer is found medically fit at the time of entry and subsequently develops such ailments during service, the benefit of doubt must go in favour of the serviceman. Arbitrary denial of disability pension in such cases defeats the welfare objective of pension regulations.
The Tribunal’s direction to the Ministry of Defence to file a reply within four weeks reflects an intent to ensure timely consideration of the matter. Once the reply is filed, the Tribunal will examine medical records, service conditions, and applicable pension rules before determining whether the applicant is entitled to disability pension.
The case is significant for the armed forces veterans’ community, as it once again brings into focus the recurring issue of denial of disability pension for lifestyle diseases. The final outcome of this case may further strengthen the legal position of retired personnel seeking disability pension for conditions arising during military service.
The Armed Forces Tribunals are adjudicating the matters pertaining to Armed Forces Law and Disability Pension is one of the subject matter.