Court Challenges Discriminatory Agnipath Scheme for Fallen Soldiers

The Bombay High Court has criticized the Union government for failing to submit a timely response to a plea filed by the family of an Agniveer, who was killed during Operation Sindoor and denied full death benefits akin to those given to regular soldiers.

A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Hiten Venegaonkar emphasized the urgency of the matter, warning that substantial costs could be imposed if the government does not file its affidavit by May 6. The petition, filed by Jyotibai Naik, mother of deceased Agniveer Murali Naik, argues against the Agnipath scheme's exclusion of Agniveers from post-service benefits.

The petition noted that Agniveers face the same dangers as regular soldiers, yet families of the former lack long-term pensions or other welfare benefits. The court has demanded a government response by June 18 and criticized the Agnipath scheme for creating arbitrary distinctions that allegedly violate fundamental rights.