Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar sets up panel to cut service litigation

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has constituted a committee of experts to look into complaints related to service rules and pension in the armed forces, a move aimed at reducing the number of cases involving military matters piling up in civil courts.

The committee will recommend institutional changes to ease redressal and will provide holistic resolutions for the grievances of ex-servicemen, officials said. The five-member panel includes Punjab & Haryana High Court lawyer Major Navdeep Singh and Kargil war amputee Major DP Singh in honorary capacity.

It is also expected to include former Adjutant General Lieutenant General Mukesh Sabharwal, former Military Secretary Lieutenant General Richard Khare and a former Judge Advocate General.

The committee has been established in keeping with PM Narendra Modi’s vision to resolve disputes within ministries in-house. Major Navdeep Singh said the committee will work to minimise litigation and provide succour to the military community.

Organisations representing ex-servicemen have welcomed the constitution of the panel, especially since the past few years have seen stiff resistance from the defence ministry, which has filed appeals in the SC in all cases related to disability pensions.