Quick Summary: Ex Flight Cadet Tarang Bhardwaj's removal from the Air Force Academy was reversed by the Delhi High Court. The court found that his mental health issues were not properly considered, making the firing unfair.
Ex Flight Cadet Tarang Bhardwaj, who joined the Air Force Academy in June 2023, was let go on June 21, 2024, because of alleged theft incidents. Tarang Bhardwaj challenged this decision, asking to be reinstated and paid for the time he was out.
The problems started when Tarang Bhardwaj was accused of stealing Hand Held Monitors (HHMs) from other cadets. The Training Review Board (TRB) used CCTV footage and his written confession to suggest firing him, saying it was a case of "serious rule-breaking."
Tarang Bhardwaj claimed that his actions were influenced by mental health struggles. Between November 2023 and February 2024, he went through depression and anxiety, made worse by medication. His mental state was recorded by the Military Hospital in Secunderabad.
"Petitioner experienced feeling down, not interested in activities, low energy, trouble focusing, bad sleep, negative thoughts, episodes of anxiety, and thoughts about death."
The court, led by Judges Om Prakash Shukla and C. Hari Shankar, examined the TRB's process, pointing out that they didn't consider Tarang Bhardwaj's mental health. Witnesses confirmed his mental struggles, and the court found the punishment too harsh.
On November 27, 2025, the court canceled the firing, emphasizing the need for fixing the problem instead of just punishing. They noted Tarang Bhardwaj's clean record and his potential to improve.
"The punishment given is extremely unfair and unreasonable."
The court's decision highlights the importance of considering mental health when dealing with rule-breaking, especially for young cadets. Tarang Bhardwaj's return to the academy shows a kinder way of handling discipline, focusing on helping people get better instead of just punishing them.
