Sixteen years after losing his son in a military aircraft crash, a retired professor in Haryana continues to wait for ex-gratia compensation, despite court rulings in his favour and official recognition of his son’s sacrifice.

A sacrifice recognised, but dues pending

Jaidev, 67, lost his son, Flight Lieutenant Varun Kumar, in 2009 during an operational sortie near Mechuka along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. The Union government has since recognised Varun’s death as a “battle casualty”.

Following legal proceedings, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Haryana government in February 2025 to grant ex-gratia and related benefits within two months.

Legal victory, administrative delay

Instead of implementing the order, the state government challenged the ruling. However, in August 2025, a division bench dismissed the appeal, stating that once the Union government has declared the death a battle casualty, the state cannot deny the benefits.

Despite the dismissal, more than six months have passed without any action from the authorities.

Years of struggle

Jaidev, a former professor, said he was left paralysed and bedridden for a long time following his son’s death. It was only after recovering and relocating to Panchkula that he began pursuing the compensation issue.

While the central government has been providing a liberalised pension, the state’s ex-gratia payment remains pending.

Emotional toll on family

Expressing anguish, Jaidev questioned the delay despite clear court directives. He said repeatedly approaching authorities and courts has been both exhausting and humiliating.

He has now written to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, seeking intervention to ensure compliance with court orders.

A question of accountability

The case has raised broader concerns about delays in delivering benefits to families of defence personnel. It highlights the gap between policy, legal rulings, and on-ground implementation.

For Jaidev, the wait continues—not just for financial relief, but for recognition of his son’s sacrifice through timely action.