FLIGHT CADET SAVITA SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, after graduating from the Punjab University as B.Sc., applied for 14 Short Service Commission Course (Women) in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of Indian Air Force. After undergoing the selection process, she was selected by No.1 Air Force Service Selection Board, Dehradun for training which commenced from 3rd January, 2000. The training consists of theory subjects, learning flying and outdoor activities. In the first week of March, 2000 second monthly tests were conducted in theory subjects. The petitioner was declared pass in all subjects except Avionics and Aviation Medicine. She could clear even medicine in second attempt. However, as per her own case the petitioner, when flying training started, it was discovered that the petitioner suffered from air sickness. After fourth sortie when the air sickness continued she was referred to Aviation Medicine training Centre. During this period she was also treated for stress bone fracture because of which she was excused from PT, parade and games. After this treatment when she went for fifth sortie, it was again found that her problem of air sickness persisted although there was some improvement according to her.

(2.) It appears that she could not overcome her air sickness forcing the respondents to inform her on 15th May, 2000 that her training was terminated. She was instructed take her clearance from AFA. It is alleged in the petition that during the signing of suspension report, the petitioner was asked to give option for absorption in ground duty branches, namely, Administrative and Logistics. She gave first option for administrative branch and second option for logistics branch.

(3.) On 22nd May, 2000 she left AFA for her hometown. Vide her application dated 9th June, 2000 she narrated in brief the reasons for not doing well in her theory subjects. Thereafter, by another application dated 21st July, 2000 addressed to the Chief of Air Staff, she requested for intervention in her case and allow her to join the ground duty course. This application was however turned down as she received letter dated 3rd August, 2000 mentioning as under: