SC transfers pleas challenging Agnipath scheme to Delhi HC

New Delhi, July 19: The Supreme Court on Tuesday transferred various pleas challenging Agnipath scheme to Delhi High Court. The apex court also directed Registrar General to transfer these matters to Delhi HC.

The top court said it felt "desirable and proper" to have the view of the Delhi HC, which is already hearing petitions on the scheme.

A bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud, Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala passed the order in three writ petitions filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India.

Various petitions were filed before the top court challenging the Agnipath recruitment scheme for defence forces.

The Central government has also filed a caveat application in the Supreme Court urging it to hear the government in the petitions filed before the top court challenging the Agnipath recruitment scheme for defence forces.

Last month, the government announced the Agnipath scheme, under which youths between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years would be inducted into the armed forces for a four-year tenure, while 25 percent of them will be subsequently inducted for regular service.

The scheme, especially its feature that 75 per cent of the recruits will serve only for four years and will not enjoy benefits like regular soldiers, has sparked protests in different parts of the country amid hectic efforts by the government to assuage the youth's concerns. Amid the protests, the central government clarified the scheme will be implemented and there is no question of a rollback.

The upper age limit was raised to 23 years, with some government departments announcing priority for Agniveers in jobs.

Those hired under the 'Agnipath' scheme will be given a one-time lumpsum of a little more than Rs 11 lakh when they end their four-year tenure. However, they do not receive any pension benefits. For most, seeking a second job is essential to support themselves and their families.

The government has announced several measures to support the 'Agniveers' after their four-year service in the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme.

The opposition has pressed for the immediate withdrawal of the recruitment plan.