The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) deals with disputes and complaints relating to service conditions of personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as matters concerning pensions, disability benefits, and disciplinary actions.
We provide focused legal advisory and representation before the Armed Forces Tribunal, ensuring that service personnel and veterans receive fair consideration under applicable law and service rules.
Scope of Legal Services
1. Service Matters Before AFT
- Promotion-related disputes
- Posting, transfer, and seniority issues
- Disciplinary proceedings and penalties
- Non-grant or withdrawal of service benefits
We examine whether actions taken by authorities comply with service rules and principles of natural justice.
2. Pension and Retirement Benefits
- Service pension disputes
- Disability pension and war injury pension
- Denial, reduction, or recovery of pension
- Revision and calculation-related grievances
Pension matters form a significant portion of AFT litigation and require careful legal assessment.
3. Disability and Medical Board Matters
- Challenge to disability assessment and percentage
- Invaliding out of service
- Improper medical board procedures
- Denial of disability benefits
We assist in evaluating procedural fairness and legal sustainability of medical board decisions.
4. Disciplinary and Court Martial Matters
- Advisory on disciplinary proceedings
- Procedural irregularities in inquiries
- Legal remedies arising from court martial outcomes
- Review and appeal-related advisory
Only cases with clear legal and procedural grounds are taken up.
5. Appeals and Further Legal Remedies
- Appeals from AFT orders
- Advisory on remedies before higher courts
- Drafting of petitions and legal submissions
- Strategic guidance on next steps
Each case is assessed individually for feasibility and merit.
Who This Service Is For
This service is suitable for:
- Serving personnel of the Armed Forces
- Retired defence personnel and veterans
- Family members in pension or service-related matters
- Cases involving service, pension, or disability disputes
This service is not intended for:
- Matters unrelated to Armed Forces service law
- Speculative or non-justiciable grievances
- Issues lacking legal or procedural basis
How the Process Works
- Initial Consultation
A free consultation to understand service history, documents, and grievance. - Legal Evaluation
Examination of service rules, records, medical documents, and prior orders. - Advisory or Representation
Advice on filing before AFT or pursuing alternative remedies. - Strategic Litigation (if required)
Representation before AFT where legally justified.
Our Approach
- Respectful of military service and institutions
- Grounded in service law and tribunal procedure
- Transparent about legal strengths and limitations
- Ethical, focused, and selective representation
We aim to provide lawful, principled, and effective legal assistance, not false assurances.
Consultation
All AFT-related matters begin with a free prior consultation.
Please keep ready:
- Service records and orders
- Pension or medical board documents
- Relevant correspondence or tribunal papers
Consultations are available by appointment.
Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) is a specialised tribunal established to adjudicate disputes and complaints related to service conditions of personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including pension and disability matters.
The following persons may approach the AFT:
- Serving members of the Armed Forces
- Retired defence personnel
- Veterans
- Family members in pension or service-related matters
The dispute must relate to service conditions governed by military law.
The AFT commonly hears cases related to:
- Promotion, posting, and seniority disputes
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Disability pension and medical board issues
- Disciplinary action and penalties
- Court martial–related matters
Each case must involve a service or pension-related grievance.
Yes. Pension disputes, including disability pension, war injury pension, and service pension matters, form a significant part of AFT litigation and are routinely adjudicated by the Tribunal.
Yes. Generally, applications should be filed within the prescribed limitation period. However, in certain cases, delays may be condoned depending on facts and justification. Legal advice should be sought at the earliest.
While it is not mandatory, AFT matters often involve:
- Interpretation of service rules
- Medical and pension regulations
- Procedural compliance
Legal representation helps in proper presentation and protection of rights.
Yes. Medical board findings, including disability percentage and invalidation decisions, can be challenged before the AFT if there are procedural irregularities or legal infirmities.
The AFT can hear matters arising out of court martial proceedings, particularly where there are procedural violations, jurisdictional issues, or denial of natural justice.
Yes. Orders passed by the Armed Forces Tribunal may be challenged before higher courts in accordance with law, subject to the nature of the case and applicable legal remedies.
The duration depends on:
- Nature and complexity of the case
- Availability of records
- Tribunal workload
Some matters are resolved faster than regular civil courts, while others may take longer.
Typically required documents include:
- Service records and orders
- Pension or medical board documents
- Relevant correspondence
- Previous legal or tribunal orders (if any)
Exact requirements depend on the nature of the case.
No. Only disputes that are legally maintainable under service law and within AFT jurisdiction are suitable. Matters lacking legal basis or falling outside service conditions may not be entertained.
Yes. All information shared during consultations is treated as confidential and used solely for providing legal advice or representation.
