PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT SAYS DISEASE ATTRIBUTABLE TO MILITARY SERVICE, UPHOLDS ENTITLEMENT TO DISABILITY PENSION: ARMY OFFICER SUFFERS HYPERTENSION DURING 17 YRS OF SERVICE

The Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case Union of India, UOI And Ors v. Dhiraj Kumar&Anr observed and has stated that an Army Officer who was being diagnosed with 'Stage-1 Hypertension (110)' during his service in the Armed Forces will be entitled to disability pension.

The bench comprising of Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Karamjit Singh was hearing the present matter.

The bench in the case stated that, 'The respondent No.1 has served the Armed Forces for nearly 17 years. At the time of his entry in the service, no such disease or disability was existing. Therefore, it being an undisputed fact that at the time of his discharge from the Armed Forces, i.e., the respondent No.1 was found to be suffering from `Stage-1 Hypertension (1-10)' and in terms of law laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case Dharamvir Singh Vs. Union of India, the disability or disease which is being suffered by the respondent No.1 is attributable to and aggravated by the military service.'

In the present case, the court was hearing the petition filed by Union Government, wherein challenging the order of the Armed Forces Tribunal allowing the application seeking disability pension.