Over 2,000 veterans’ cases pending as armed forces tribunal Chennai lacks judges

Madurai: More than 2,000 cases involving pensions and other benefits of former armed forces personnel and their families remain unresolved as the Armed Forces Tribunal’s Chennai bench has been without judges for over three years. The pending cases concern disability pensions for injured soldiers, service entitlements, family pensions and statutory retirement benefits.

With hearings stalled, veterans and bereaved families seeking relief have been left waiting for decisions on claims affecting their livelihoods. Madurai MP Su Venkatesan, in a September 28 letter to defence minister Rajnath Singh, sought immediate appointment of judges to restore the tribunal’s functioning and clear the backlog.

He said retired personnel, war-disabled soldiers and families of ex-servicemen were facing financial hardship because their claims could not be adjudicated.“Ex-servicemen, who dedicated the prime of their youth to safeguarding the borders and sovereignty of our nation, are now compelled to spend their advanced years running from pillar to post,” Venkatesan said in his letter. Citing media reports, the MP said disposal of cases had come to a complete halt at the Chennai bench.

He urged the ministry to prioritise judicial appointments so regular proceedings could resume. Responding on October 9, Singh acknowledged the representation and said, “I am having the matter looked into.”The minister’s reply did not specify a timeline for appointments or resumption of hearings.

Sharing the correspondence on X, Venkatesan expressed hope that the Centre would take an early decision to address the grievances of veterans and their families. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Madurai | Silver Rate in Madurai | Bank Holidays in Madurai | Public Holidays in Madurai | Madurai AQI | Weather in Madurai | Petrol Price in Madurai | Diesel Price in Madurai | CNG Price in Madurai | LPG Price in Madurai Stay updated with the latest Madurai news.

Key quotes

• “Ex-servicemen, who dedicated the prime of their youth to safeguarding the borders and sovereignty of our nation, are now compelled to spend their advanced years running from pillar to post,”

• “I am having the matter looked into.”