Sulekha Rani vs Union Of India

The Supreme Court held that the absence of an Invalidation Medical Board prior to the discharge of a soldier, who was initially in SHAPE 1 medical category, raises questions about the validity of the discharge and the entitlement to pension. Citing Rule 5 and Rule 14(b) of the Army Rules, the Court emphasized that a soldier is presumed to be in sound condition upon entry unless noted otherwise, and any subsequent health deterioration is presumed to be due to service. The Court ultimately ruled in favor of the appellant, reversing the Armed Forces Tribunal's decision and granting the claim for pension based on established precedents in Dharamvir Singh v UOI and Union of India v Rajpal Singh.