Following tribunal order, soldier to get pension after 32 years | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Balram Singh from Hetapatti village in Prayagraj had enrolled in the Territorial Army’s Kumaon Regiment in 1981 and served until 1993 when Eales Disease stole the vision in his left eye. Declared unfit at 30% disability by the Invaliding Medical Board (IMB), Balram was discharged from service.The IMB deemed his condition service-related, yet the principal controller of defence accounts (PCDA) in Allahabad rejected his disability pension claim in 1994, labeling it “neither attributable to nor aggravated by military service”.Balram’s appeals in 2001 went unheard, leaving him to toil in his village.For 32 years, Balram fought for justice. In 2024, he approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in Lucknow. His counsel Vijay Kumar Pandey argued that Balram was fit for enlistment, his disability was service-attributable, and the PCDA had no authority to overrule the IMB.Citing the Supreme Court rulings like ex-Sapper Mohinder Singh (1993), Pandey highlighted the PCDA’s overreach.The respondents countered, claiming the disease’s onset after nine years of service suggested no military link, but their argument faltered against the IMB’s findings.On Sept 18, 2025, the AFT delivered its verdict. Justices Anil Kumar and Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain declared the PCDA’s rejection void, affirming the IMB’s assessment.Balram’s disability, deemed permanent, entitled him to a 20% pension, rounded to 50% for life, effective from Jan 2021, three years before his filing the plea. The tribunal ordered implementation within four months, with 8% interest for delays.
