SC Dismisses Pleas Challenging Delhi HC Verdict Upholding Agnipath Scheme

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today dismissed two pleas challenging the Delhi High Court verdict upholding the Centre’s Agnipath scheme. A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said, candidates who earlier got selected through recruitment processes like rallies, and physical and medical tests for defense forces before the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, do not have a vested right to appointment.

The bench also consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said the apex court would not like to interfere with the high court verdict as it had dealt with all the aspects.

The Delhi High Court upheld the validity of the Agnipath scheme on the 27th of February. Dismissing a batch of petitions against the scheme, the court said it was formulated in the national interest and to ensure that armed forces are better equipped. It said there was no reason to interfere in the scheme.

On 14th June last year, the Union Cabinet approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme for youth to serve in the three services of the Armed Forces. The youth selected under the scheme will be known as Agniveers. The scheme allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.