The Supreme Court judgment emphasized a liberal approach for psychiatric service-related disabilities.
SC AWARDS DISABILITY PENSION TO SCHIZOPHRENIA-AFFECTED EX-ARMY MAN
CASE SUMMARY – In Rajumon T.M. vs. Union of India & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a former sepoy who was denied disability pension after being discharged from the Indian Army due to schizophrenia. The Medical Board declared his condition constitutional and unconnected to military service without providing reasons. The Court held that lack of reasoning invalidates such findings, especially in psychiatric cases, where liberal interpretation is warranted. Consequently, the Court directed that Rajumon be granted disability pension with all attending benefits from the last three years, setting aside earlier rejections by pension authorities and the Armed Forces Tribunal.
| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | Rajumon T.M. vs. Union of India & Ors. |
| Introduction | Appeal against Armed Forces Tribunal decision denying disability pension to a former sepoy of the Indian Army discharged due to schizophrenia. |
| Factual Background | Rajumon T.M. was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1993 while posted at a peace station. He was discharged in 1998 and denied pension as the condition was labeled “constitutional” and not linked to service. |
| Legal Issues | Whether schizophrenia was attributable to or aggravated by military service, and whether the lack of reasoning by the Medical Board invalidated the denial of pension. |
| Applicable Law |
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| Analysis | The Court emphasized the absence of reasoning in the Medical Board’s findings, non-compliance with procedural requirements, and upheld the liberal interpretation in disability pension cases, especially involving psychiatric illnesses. |
| Conclusion | Appeal allowed. Discharge upheld, but the denial of disability pension overturned. Pension with benefits granted for the last 3 years; earlier arrears denied. |
| Current Scenario | Rajumon T.M. to receive disability pension with effect from the judgment date (May 7, 2025), including benefits for the last 3 years. |
SC AWARDS DISABILITY PENSION TO SCHIZOPHRENIA-AFFECTED EX-ARMY MAN
“Lack of reasoning by the Medical Board cannot be the basis for denying vital service benefits.”
SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
