Quick Summary: Peddinti Siva was disqualified from joining the Indian Coast Guard due to a medical condition called Gynaecomastia. The court has now ordered a new examination with a fairer process.
Peddinti Siva applied for the position of Navik (General Duty) in the Indian Coast Guard but was disqualified after a medical check on September 9, 2025, in New Delhi. The reason? He was diagnosed with Stage I Gynaecomastia, a condition often linked to being overweight.
Siva didn't give up. He went for another medical check the very next day, September 10, 2025. Unfortunately, the result was the same. The court noted that these back-to-back exams often give the same results, making the appeal process seem pointless.
"Even for the most minor of health issues, there's little chance of the symptoms changing in one day."
The case was heard by Judges C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla. They were concerned about the lack of a meaningful gap between the initial and appeal medical exams. They directed that future cases should have a reasonable time gap to ensure fairness.
The judges ordered that Siva should be re-examined at the Army R & R Hospital. This examination is scheduled for December 16, 2025. If found fit, Siva could be considered for the next group of recruits in 2025-26.
The court's decision also included instructions to the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that medical exams in the armed forces are conducted fairly and not rushed.
"Let a copy of this order be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs..."
This case highlights the importance of fair recruitment processes and gives hope to candidates facing similar challenges.
