IAF Veteran Awarded Rs 1.5 Crore Compensation for HIV Due to Med Negligence

An IAF veteran, who contracted AIDS from contaminated blood during 'Operation Parakram' in 2002, is awarded Rs 1.5 crore in compensation. The Supreme Court affirmed the payout, and the IAF has deposited most of the amount. Discussions are ongoing for his healthcare arrangements.

An IAF soldier who contracted AIDS from contaminated blood during a 2002 military operation has been awarded Rs 1.5 crore in compensation, according to the Supreme Court. The IAF has paid Rs 18 lakh so far and deposited the remaining amount with the apex court registry.

During 'Operation Parakram', launched following the 2001 Parliament attack, the soldier fell ill and required a blood transfusion, resulting in his HIV infection. His plea for compensation was initially dismissed by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission but upheld later by the Supreme Court in 2023.

The Supreme Court has directed the IAF to pay the full compensation within six weeks and consider the veteran's disability as 100% for pension purposes. Discussions are ongoing to facilitate his regular medical checkups, possibly at a facility in Jaipur due to his residence in Ajmer.

Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee submitted a compliance affidavit, and further hearings are scheduled in two weeks.

The Supreme Court's ruling holds the IAF and Indian Army jointly liable for the medical negligence. It stipulates that the IAF can seek reimbursement for half the compensation from the Army.

(With inputs from agencies.)