Consider disabled CPO personnel for alternative employment within the force

In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court, in Constable Gajendra Prashad Vs UOI, has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to frame a rehabilitation policy to retain disabled personnel in less exacting duties which do not involve active combat roles.
Following are some excerpts from the progressive judgement which would have far-reaching consequences in all uniformed services :
“It is not in dispute that the medical disability of the petitioner which was opined in the year 2001 continues to be the same and there is no deterioration in the physique or the health of the petitioner. In fact, we must confess, that when the petitioner stood up in court on 4.3.2011 when we heard arguments in the writ petition, we saw him more smart in his turn out vis-à-vis other constables of para-military forces we see in court, who appear before us as litigants, but even as the security personnel deputed in the Delhi High Court complex. Not an inch of fat or flab on the stomach; a slim and trim jawan with a perfect body stood up when we wanted to see the petitioner. Indeed, learned counsel for the respondents was constrained to admit that notwithstanding the loss of a limb, the petitioner has kept himself more than physically fit and we are informed that the petitioner joins the morning drill at the Unit and ensures that his sedentary duties do not make him either dull or a flabby person.”
“The petitioner suffered the disability which placed him in Low Medical Category while performing duties in a hostile condition and there was logic and reason to let the petitioner serve, if he could, on a job where the department lost nothing. Since constables perform duties of a company clerk, why would it be that a physically fit jawan be made to do said duties and not a physically handicapped jawan. It would be a win-win situation. Physically fit jawans would be available for combat duties and those with disabilities, but not of a kind to render them totally unfit, could be accommodate on desk duties. This win-win situation would be in harmony with the concept of a welfare state, which India proclaims to be.”
“We find that the medical board opinion qua the petitioner rendered in the year 2007 continues to be the same as it was in the year 2001. The physical health or the condition of the petitioner has not deteriorated. The disability continues to be the amputation of the right lower limb above the knee and amputation of the left greater toe. If, on the same disability the petitioner was found fit to be adjusted against a lighter duty, we see no reason why he should be boarded out after 6 years. We highlight that the medical board opinion in the year 2007 does not certify or opined that the petitioner was in such Low Medical Category that he could not even perform the duties of a company clerk. Now, jawans are needed to perform wide and varied duties. These may be actual combat. These may be duty as a Sentry at a post. These may be duty in a recreational room. These may be duty as a telephone operator. These may be duty as the dak clerk. Thus, it stands to logic and reason and hence would be a part of fairness in action, a facet of Article 14 of the Constitution, to be observed by the State, that a lowly paid constable at the lowest rung of a Central Para-Military Force who is rendered physically disabled while on active service should be retained in service unless found unfit for any kind of job assigned to constables.”