New Delhi: The Delhi High Court dismissed the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Agnipath scheme, pointing out that the scheme was a policy decision in the interest of country and to well prepare our military forces. Court also rejected the demand for appointments on the basis of old policy saying their demand not fair. The bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramanyam Prasad said: “This court finds no reason to interfere with the scheme… All petitions are dismissed.”
Many petitions were filed in various courts of the country challenging Agnipath Scheme. The case was also filed with the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the Apex Court transferred the hearing of all the cases to the Delhi High Court. Centre pleaded that Aginpath Scheme is a major change in Defence recruitment system.
Earlier, the Petitioners claimed 75% candidates will be unemployed after four years as there is not any scheme for them. A petitioner also claimed six months period to be very short for developing physical capacity and learning the use of arms.
Earlier the bench reserved its judgement in 15 December hearing. The recruitment of youth in the armed forces commenced from 14th June last year. Under the rules of the scheme youth aged 17 to 21 years would be eligible and successful candidates would be included in the army for four years.