UNION OF INDIA vs 657759 EX HFO PRADEEP KUMAR

Judgment text excerpt

$~121 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 18247/2025, CM APPLs. 75491/2025 & 75492/2025 UNION OF INDIA .....Petitioner Through: Mr. Sushil Kumar Pandey, Sr. PC with Ms. Varsha Bhadauriya, Adv. for UOI with Sgt. Mrityunjay and Sgt. Manish Kumar Singh, Legal Cell (Air Force) versus 657759 EX HFO PRADEEP KUMAR .....Respondent Through: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE C. HARI SHANKAR HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE OM PRAKASH SHUKLA JUDGMENT (ORAL) % 01.12.2025 C. HARI SHANKAR, J. 1. This petition assails order dated 25 September 2024 passed by the Armed Forces Tribunal1 in OA 2964/2023 whereby the respondent’s application for grant of disability pension on the ground that he suffers from Primary Hypertension with 30%, rounded off to 50% disability have been allowed by the AFT. 2. The issue is covered by a recent decision rendered by us in UOI v Ex Sub Gawas Anil Madso2. 1 “the AFT”, hereinafter W.P.(C) 18247/2025 Signature Not Verified Page 1 of 8 Digitally Signed By:AJIT KUMAR Signing Date:04.12.2025 19:19:40 3. Nonetheless, we have heard Mr. Sushil Kumar Pandey, learned SPC for the petitioner, and have perused the record. 4. The respondent was released in Low Medical Category on his being found to be suffering from Primary Hypertension. From the record, including the proceedings of the Release Medical Board3, the following facts emerged: (i) The respondent had served in the Indian Air Force for over 38 years before he was diagnosed as suffering from Primary Hypertension. (ii) The respondent, in his self-declaration, specifically declared that he had not been suffering from Primary Hypertension prior to joining the Indian Air Force. The declaration reads thus: 3. Did you suffer from any disability before joining the Armed Forces? If so give details and dates? NO The correct