A lawyer has moved the Supreme Court, seeking directions to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to enquire the violent protests, which were witnessed across the country against the Centre’s newly-launched Agnipath scheme for recruitment in Defence services.
Filed by Delhi-based Advocate Vishal Tiwari, the plea contended that such arbitrary and experimental schemes can become a threat to the country.
In such a situation, due to the apathy of the government, people and government properties have been damaged across the country, it alleged.
It said the fundamental right to life of the people was being violated. There was resentment among people against this scheme due to the arbitrariness of the government. In this situation, judicial intervention was necessary, added the plea.
It sought setting up of an SIT to enquire the damage caused to the public property by the agitators, especially to the Indian Railways.
The application further sought directions to set up an expert committee under the Chairmanship of a retired Supreme Court Judge to examine the Agnipath recruitment scheme, as well as its impact on the national security and the Indian Army.
On June 14, the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod to a new recruitment scheme in Defence forces called Agnipath. The scheme permitted men and women in the age group of 17.5 and 23 years, to serve the Armed Forces for a period of four years on ranks below the officer.
As per the Central government, the scheme will prove to be a game-changer for Defence forces, which will give the the Army, the Navy and the Air Force a more youthful image.
As per the Cabinet decision, those enrolling in the scheme will be known as ‘Agniveers’.
After four years, 25 per cent of Agniveers will be absorbed in the defence forces. This will give the youth a chance to serve the military service for both short and long duration, said the Central government.