Complete Guide to Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Delhi – Service Matters, Pension, Court Martial & Legal Remedies

#What Is the 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

Before AFT, defence personnel had to approach High Courts and civil courts. Now, AFT is the first and most important legal forum for all military service matters.

Its purpose is simple:
To protect the rights, rank, pension, and career of India’s defence forces through speedy legal action.

#Why AFT Delhi Is One of the Most Important Benches in India

The AFT Principal Bench at Delhi is the most active and powerful tribunal bench in the country. It handles cases arising from:

• Delhi NCR

• Haryana

• Punjab

• Western Uttar Pradesh

• Major defence institutions across North India

Every year, thousands of defence personnel approach AFT Delhi for service justice, pension relief, and court martial appeals.

#Types of Cases Handled by AFT Delhi

AFT Delhi handles almost every legal issue related to defence service. Some of the most common case categories include:

#Service Matters

• Illegal termination or dismissal

• Forced or compulsory retirement

• Pay fixation disputes

• Seniority and promotion issues

• Posting and transfer disputes

#Pension & Retirement Matters

• Disability pension rejections

• Invalid pension cases

• Family pension disputes

• Gratuity and arrear recoveries

• Rank-based pension corrections

#Court Martial Appeals

• Jail sentence appeals

• Dismissal after court martial

• Reduction of rank

• Forfeiture of service benefits

• Disciplinary punishments

#Who Can File a Case in AFT Delhi?

Any of the following persons can approach AFT Delhi:

• Serving Army, Navy & Air Force personnel

• Retired defence personnel

• Discharged or dismissed personnel

• War widows and family members

• Ex-servicemen and dependents

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

#Step 1 – Legal Evaluation

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

#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 claimed

#Step 3 – Filing Before AFT Delhi

The OA is filed before the AFT Principal Bench, Delhi along with annexures and affidavits.

#Step 4 – Replies & Final Arguments

Defence authorities submit their reply. Final legal arguments are heard.

#Step 5 – Final Judgment

The Tribunal may pass orders for:

• Reinstatement

• Pension restoration

• Rank restoration

• Compensation

• Cancellation 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

Delays seriously affect case strength, so early legal action is always advised.

#What Is a Court Martial and How AFT Helps

A court martial is a military trial under:

• Army Act, 1950

• Navy Act, 1957

• Air Force Act, 1950

Punishments may include:

• Dismissal from service

• Imprisonment

• Salary stoppage

• Loss of pension

• Reduction in rank

All court martial punishments can be legally challenged before AFT Delhi. Many defence personnel have recovered their rank, pension, and honour through AFT.

#Disability Pension Cases in AFT Delhi

Disability pension disputes are among the highest number of cases in AFT Delhi. Many times:

• Medical boards wrongly reject claims

• Percentage of disability is reduced

• Service-related injuries are denied

AFT frequently grants:

• Full disability pension

• Arrears with interest

• Family pension to widows

• Medical category corrections

#Why You Need a Specialized AFT Advocate

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

• Defence rules & regulations

• Confidential service records

• Medical disability evidence

• Tribunal procedures

• Constitutional service protection

A general lawyer cannot handle these technical legal aspects effectively. You need a specialized AFT advocate in Delhi who understands defence law from inside.

#How Advocate Malini Jain Helps in AFT Delhi Matters

Advocate Malini Jain provides complete legal assistance in:

• AFT case filing in Delhi

• Court martial appeal matters

• Disability pension disputes

• Promotion and service benefit cases

• Termination and dismissal challenges

• Family pension recovery

• Supreme Court appeals from AFT orders

Her legal approach is:
Professional, ethical, disciplined, and completely client-focused.

#Why Choose Advocate Malini Jain for AFT Delhi Cases

• 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 Delhi exists to protect the honour, career, pension, and dignity 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 legal action before AFT Delhi can completely change your future.

With her experience in AFT litigation and service law, Advocate Malini Jain provides powerful, reliable, and result-oriented legal representation for defence personnel and their families.