The Supreme Court on 28 October 2026 dismissed the Union government’s appeal against war injury pension awarded to Narender Kumar for disability arising from his Kargil posting under Operation Rakshak.
Judge / Bench — Justices Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.
The Court held that the unrestrictive language of the pension policy covered specially notified operations unless the policy or notification indicated exclusion. An oral assertion that Operation Rakshak was outside Category E(i) could not supply that restriction. Pension provisions required a liberal interpretation. The Court directed that future operation notifications clearly state whether the relevant pensionary benefits apply. It also called for comprehensive, clearly identifiable service legislation to reduce uncertainty.
Advocates appearing — Union of India and other appellants — Archana Pathak Dave, Additional Solicitor General; respondent — Not named in the judgment.