Armed forces personnel are entitled to rights: Governor

‘Creation of awareness is the key solution to many issues’

The people who serve the Armed Forces also are entitled to their rights as citizens and they have to be made aware of such rights and their responsibilities on a regular basis, Govenor, P. Sathasivam has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Legal Awareness Workshop organised by the Regional Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal, Kochi along with the District Legal Services Authority and the Directorate of Sainik Welfare and Re-settlement, Thiruvananthapuram here on Wednesday.

Creation of awareness is the key solution to many of the issues that would otherwise come up as disputes.

As in the civilian world, the Governor said ignorance of the law and its provisions for support to individuals cause many issues in the Armed Forces.

In today’s context, the Governor said one should also look at the extent to which the people in the Indian Armed Forces should be allowed to interact with the civil society.

The interactions have become more technological than personal, especially with the entry of electronic gadgets that bring the world into one’s palm.

Recalling the recent incident where a BSF jawan's video on the poor quality of food served to the Force that went viral on social media and ignited heated discussions, the Governor said such events may bring grievances to the public domain, but the threat posed by the irresponsible use of such technology could also extend to national security.

The Governor noted that a large majority of the cases for which people approach the courts relates to postings, promotion, pay, punishments and pension. It is therefore, very helpful that the Tribunal comprehensively covers all aspects of discipline and service conditions and provides an independent, comprehensive, quick and affordable forum for ensuring of military justice.

While some members of the Armed Forces have now come forward to seek the services of the Tribunal, he said a large majority of the serving as well as former service personnel are not aware of the services.

Justice Virender Singh, Chairperson, Armed Forces Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi; K. Haripal, District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority and K.K. Govindan Nair, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare were among those who spoke at the inaugural session.