All About Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Bombay – Complete Legal Guide for Defence Personnel

#What Is Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)?

The Armed Forces Tribunal was established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 to provide fast and specialized justice to:

• Army personnel

• Navy personnel

• Air Force personnel

Earlier, defence personnel had to approach High Courts for service disputes. Now, AFT is the first and most important legal authority for all military service-related matters.

Its core purpose is to protect:

• Service career

• Rank and promotion

• Pension and retirement benefits

• Honour and dignity of defence personnel

#AFT Bombay (Mumbai Bench) – Jurisdiction & Importance

The AFT Bombay Bench is one of the most active tribunal benches in India. It handles cases from:

• Maharashtra

• Goa

• Gujarat

• Parts of Central & Western India

Thousands of defence personnel from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and surrounding defence establishments approach AFT Mumbai every year for justice in service and pension matters.

#Types of Cases Handled by AFT Bombay

AFT Bombay covers almost every legal issue related to defence service. The most common categories include:

#Service Matters

• Illegal termination or dismissal

• Compulsory or premature retirement

• Promotion and seniority disputes

• Pay fixation and arrear issues

• Posting and transfer challenges

#Pension & Retirement Disputes

• Disability pension rejection

• Invalid pension cases

• Family pension denial

• Gratuity and retirement benefit disputes

• Rank-based pension corrections

#Court Martial Appeals

• Jail sentence after court martial

• Dismissal or discharge from service

• Reduction in rank

• Forfeiture of service benefits

• Disciplinary punishments

#Who Can File a Case in AFT Bombay?

The following persons can file cases before AFT Mumbai:

• Serving Army, Navy & Air Force personnel

• Retired defence personnel

• Dismissed or discharged personnel

• War widows and dependents

• Family members in pension-related disputes

#Step-by-Step Process to File a Case in AFT Bombay

#Step 1 – Legal Case Evaluation

All service records, medical documents, court martial orders, dismissal letters, and pension papers are legally examined.

#Step 2 – Drafting of Original Application (OA)

A detailed Original Application (OA) is drafted mentioning:

• Facts of the case

• Violation of service rules

• Breach of natural justice

• Relief sought

#Step 3 – Filing Before AFT Bombay Bench

The OA is filed before the AFT Mumbai Bench with all documents and affidavits.

#Step 4 – Replies & Final Arguments

The defence authorities file their reply. Final legal arguments are presented.

#Step 5 – Final Judgment

The Tribunal may pass orders for:

• Reinstatement in service

• Pension restoration

• Rank restoration

• Compensation

• Cancellation or modification of punishment

#Time Limit for Filing AFT Cases

• Service matters – within 3 years

• Court martial appeal – within 6 months

• Pension matters – treated as a continuous cause

Delay seriously weakens a case, which is why early legal action is strongly advised.

#What Is Court Martial & How AFT Bombay Helps

A court martial is a military trial conducted under:

• Army Act, 1950

• Navy Act, 1957

• Air Force Act, 1950

Court martial punishments may include:

• Dismissal from service

• Imprisonment

• Salary stoppage

• Loss of pension

• Reduction in rank

All such punishments can be legally challenged before AFT Bombay. Many defence personnel have successfully regained:

• Their service career

• Pension benefits

• Reputation and honour

#Disability Pension Cases in AFT Bombay

Disability pension cases form one of the largest categories of AFT Mumbai litigation. Common issues include:

• Medical board wrongly rejecting claims

• Percentage of disability being reduced

• Service-related injuries not being accepted

AFT Bombay frequently grants:

• Full disability pension

• Arrears with interest

• Family pension for widows

• Correction in medical category

#Why You Need a Specialized AFT Advocate in Mumbai

Military service law is completely different from civil law. AFT matters involve:

• Defence rules and regulations

• Confidential service records

• Medical disability assessment

• Tribunal procedures

• Strategic legal representation

A general lawyer may not understand these technical areas. You need a specialized AFT advocate in Mumbai who regularly handles defence matters.

#How Advocate Malini Jain Helps in AFT Bombay Cases

Advocate Malini Jain provides complete legal representation in:

• AFT Bombay case filing

• Court martial appeal matters

• Disability pension disputes

• Promotion and seniority cases

• Termination and dismissal challenges

• Family pension recovery

• Supreme Court appeals arising from AFT orders

Her approach is:
Professional, ethical, disciplined, and completely defence-personnel focused.

#Why Choose Advocate Malini Jain for AFT Bombay Matters

• Strong tribunal litigation experience

• Deep understanding of defence service law

• Dedicated handling of soldier and officer cases

• Transparent legal guidance

• Supreme Court appeal experience

• Compassionate approach for defence families

#Final Words

The Armed Forces Tribunal Bombay exists to protect the career, dignity, pension, and future of India’s defence personnel. Whether you are facing:

• A wrongful dismissal

• A rejected disability pension

• A harsh court martial punishment

• A denied promotion

• A family pension dispute

Timely and expert legal action before AFT Mumbai can completely change the outcome of your case.

With her tribunal experience and commitment to justice, Advocate Malini Jain provides strong, reliable, and result-oriented legal representation before AFT Bombay for defence personnel and their families.