Sir, deserter person
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 28 September 2024
This query is : Resolved
Sir, My father 10 years serviced in mechanized infantry regiment in army , but he is removed from his services as a deserter ,due to cause of OSL( over staying leave), he and his family are eligible for canteen card facilities or not sir? According to army order 32/84
T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate
(Expert) 28 September 2024
The canteen facilities are available for the service men and ex service men only, if he is not falling under ex serviceman then he cannot become entitled to such facilities
T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate
(Expert) 28 September 2024
The definition of an ex-serviceman excludes anyone who has been dismissed or released from the Armed Forces due to misconduct or inefficiency.
In accordance with Army Order AO 32 / 84, Ex-Servicemen and their families and Ex-defence personnel with minimum 5 years of service are entitled to CSD (I) Canteen facilities available in units / establishments.
But a person who has been dismissed from the Army is not considered an ex-serviceman and is not eligible for canteen facilities.
Dr. J C Vashista 
(Expert) 29 September 2024
The service of your father would have been "dismissed" but not "removed" by a Summary Court Martial conducted by his Commanding Officer for being AWOL, isn't it ?
Since your father was dismissed from service after rendering10 years of service for being AWOL, he should apply to Station HQ through District Sainik Board to obtain a CSD card.
Sudhir Kumar, Advocate
(Expert) 03 October 2024
As long as he is not getting pension he is not entitled to CSD or ECHS.
Dr. J C Vashista
(Expert) 04 October 2024
Entitlement for issuance of CSD Card and ECHS Card is totally different, which can not be weighed on the same footings.
P. Venu
(Expert) 22 October 2024
In accordance with Army Order AO 32 / 84, Ex-Servicemen and their families and Ex-defence personnel with minimum 5 years of service are entitled to CSD (I) Canteen facilities available in units / establishments. Cadets / Recruits boarded out on medical grounds are also entitled to avail CSD facilities.
The moot question is whether the querist's father comes within the purview of Ex-defence personnel. He may take a chance as suggested by learned expert Dr. J C Vashista and may seek judicial review, if so advised.
