In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has underscored the imperative of safeguarding the welfare of families of serving defence personnel, particularly those separated due to military duties. The court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to formulate a comprehensive policy to address grievances of such families, emphasizing the need for active collaboration with senior defence officials in this endeavor.
Case Background
The directive emerged during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Sheetal Chaudhary, the spouse of an army personnel deployed in a sensitive border area. Ms. Chaudhary, a teacher by profession, alleged harassment by a colleague, identified as a Shiksha Mitra. Despite her husband's formal complaints to local authorities, including the District Collector and Superintendent of Police in Firozabad, no substantive action was taken to address her grievances. Although the alleged harasser was subsequently transferred, he continued to visit the school premises, perpetuating the harassment.
Court's Observations
Justice Ajay Bhanot, presiding over the case, highlighted the paramount importance of attending to the welfare of military families. He remarked that the armed forces serve as the custodians of the nation's sovereignty and integrity, often performing their duties at great personal risk. The separation of service personnel from their families due to military exigencies imposes a solemn obligation on the state to ensure the protection and well-being of these families.
The court emphasized that any complaints involving the families of military personnel must be addressed with utmost promptness. Justice Bhanot stated, "The promise of the State to all defence personnel is irrevocable. The duty of the State officials to redeem the promise is inviolable. This assurance should warm the hearts and fortify the souls of the defence personnel who guard our frontiers."
Directive to the State Government
In light of the circumstances, the court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to develop a scheme dedicated to the welfare and grievance redressal of families of serving defence personnel. The formulation of this scheme is to be undertaken with active participation and input from senior defence officials to ensure it effectively addresses the unique challenges faced by these families.
The court also mandated that the state government submit a compliance report detailing the progress made in establishing this mechanism. This report is to be presented within a stipulated timeframe, underscoring the urgency attributed to this matter by the judiciary.
Implications of the Ruling
This judgment holds significant implications for the welfare of military families in Uttar Pradesh and potentially sets a precedent for other states to follow. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by families of defence personnel, especially those separated due to service requirements, the court has reinforced the state's duty to provide robust support systems for them.
The directive to involve senior defence officials in the policy formulation process ensures that the resulting grievance redressal mechanism will be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of military families. Such collaboration is expected to lead to more effective and responsive solutions, thereby enhancing the morale of service personnel who can be assured of their families' well-being in their absence.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court's ruling serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's obligation to support those who defend its sovereignty. By directing the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism for the families of serving defence personnel, the court has taken a decisive step towards ensuring their welfare and protection. This initiative not only addresses immediate concerns but also contributes to the broader objective of upholding the dignity and morale of the armed forces and their families.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.