J U D G M E N T

ABHAY S. OKA, J.

1. Leave granted.

FACTUAL ASPECT

2. The respondent is the widow of late Naik Inderjeet Singh (for short, ‘the deceased’). The deceased was employed in the Indian Army on 27 th February 1996. He was part of an Area Domination Patrol. The Area Domination Patrol was launched from Manjit Main to Rangwar Post for domination of the Rangwar gap in the Signature Not Verified proximity of the Line of Control (for short, ‘LC’) along the Digitally signed by ASHISH KONDLE Date: 2024.12.03

Reason: Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (for short, ‘AIOS’). A fence Civil Appeal @ Diary No. 20250 of 2021 built by the Indian Army to prevent cross-border infiltration is known as AIOS. He complained of breathlessness during duty in extreme climatic conditions from 1.00 a.m. to 3.30 a.m. on 23rd January 2013. He was taken to the nearby Rangwar Post. The regimental medical officer found the condition of the deceased very critical. He could not be air-evacuated due to bad weather. Therefore, he was evacuated on foot. When he was taken to Chowkibal's MI room, he was declared dead. The cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest. His death was initially classified as a ‘battle