The Bombay High Court will examine whether the state failed to implement its own resolution granting agricultural land to decorated defence personnel after the 1971 war, here is more to know
Indian Air Force officer Arun Vithal Kamat, who fought in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, enduring nearly ten months as a prisoner of war. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
More than 50 years after a decorated Indian Air Force officer fought for the nation in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, his family still awaits land promised to them, with the hero’s 89-year-old widow’s long fight for justice finally reaching the Bombay High Court.
On February 2, a division bench of the court comprising Justices MS Karnik and SM Modak issued notice to the state government regarding a petition filed by Minakshi Arun Kamat, widow of Squadron Leader Arun Vithal Kamat, who was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) by the President on January 25, 1974. The court directed the state to file its affidavit in reply within four weeks, with the matter returnable on March 4.
According to Squadron Leader Kamat’s two daughters, their father endured nearly ten months as a prisoner of war. He returned home bearing deep scars, suffering from severe post-traumatic stress, and passed away on December 5, 1982, while still on duty, as wing commander at the Air Force headquarters in Delhi.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the 1971 conflict, the state government, through a Government Resolution (GR) dated December 30, 1971, had announced the grant of 10 acres of agricultural land and a 300-sq-m residential plot, free of cost, to armed forces personnel from Maharashtra who were wounded, disabled, or decorated for gallantry. A subsequent GR dated July 8, 1998, extended these benefits to the legal heirs of such personnel as well.
Despite her husband’s undisputed eligibility, Minakshi Kamat received only a residential plot measuring 337 sq m, allotted in July 1973. The more substantial benefit, agricultural land meant to secure the family’s future, never materialised, her petition states. Official records reveal that in May 1978, the state had even conducted a lottery draw for allotting agricultural land to defence gallantry awardees. Yet, inexplicably, Kamat’s name did not translate into an actual allotment.
Daughters speak
Squadron Leader Kamat’s daughters, Shailaja Desai and Anjali Shah, told mid-day, “Our father made the supreme sacrifice for the nation and was awarded the gallantry award for his exceptional bravery. He was entitled to 10 acres of agricultural land in Pune’s Haveli taluka. We have made several representations to the authorities over the years, but nothing has come of this. Our request is not merely an appeal for sympathy but a demand for what is legally ours.”
Advocate’s Views
Advocate Rajeshwar Panchal, who is representing the petitioner
“This case is not merely about land allotment; it is about the state honouring a solemn promise made to the family of a decorated Air Force officer. While the residential plot was granted as per the 1971 policy, the agricultural land has been unjustly withheld for decades. The high court’s intervention underscores that welfare policies for war heroes cannot remain on paper; they must be implemented in letter and spirit.
A nation’s gratitude towards its war heroes is measured not by announcements, but by action. In this case, the widow of a gallantry awardee has been waiting since the early 1980s for the benefits promised under a 1971 policy. The state cannot selectively implement welfare schemes meant for those who defended the country at the cost of their lives and careers. We are confident that judicial scrutiny will ensure justice for the petitioner.”
A wife’s lament
Minakshi Arun Kamat, wife of decorated Indian Air Force officer
“They promised land as recognition for my husband’s gallantry award and his time as a POW in the 1971 war. Decades later, nothing has been given. He served the country with honour; his family is still waiting for what was assured”
A tragic tale of justice denied
The late Hundurao Ingale, a 1971 war veteran from Satara, returned home injured after fighting at the border, only to face yet another battle, for his rights at home. Despite a Bombay High Court order in February 2018, Ingale had still not been allotted the land he was entitled to under the 1971 government resolution. Frustrated with repeated delays, Ingale was set to move contempt of court proceedings in the court against the Satara collector and the state revenue secretary for failing to comply with the order. However, as reported by mid-day in 2019, the veteran passed away without receiving the full benefits he had been promised.
Hundurao Ingale’s last battle
February 2008: Ingale first appealed to the Bombay High Court
February 2018: The court ruled in his favour
July 2018: The court directed the state government to allot land free from litigation
January 2019: Ingale filed a writ petition in the court due to continued inaction
February 2019: The court directed Ingale to move contempt proceedings against the state, and a R50,000 fine was subsequently imposed on the state for non-compliance
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