The Delhi High Court fined the Union Government Rs. 20,000 for its negligent handling and non-payment of the "Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension" to a 96-year-old freedom fighter who actively participated in the Quit India Movement and other independence-related movements.
Justice Subramonium Prasad emphasized that the Central Government's lack of action is a disrespectful gesture towards freedom fighter Uttam Lal Singh. He noted that Uttam Lal Singh was declared a proclaimed offender, and his entire land would have been confiscated during the British Government's proceedings.
The court ordered the Union Government to disburse the freedom fighter's pension within 12 weeks, along with an interest rate of 6% per annum from August 1, 1980, until the date of payment of the pension amount.
The court, due to the Union of India's negligent attitude, has decided to levy a fine of Rs. 20,000. The Union of India is instructed to pay this fine to the petitioner within six weeks from today.
The Bihar Government had initially endorsed Singh's case, but the Central Government misplaced the original documents sent by the state. Last year, the Bihar Government reconfirmed and verified Singh's documents once more.
The court, while granting the plea, expressed bewilderment as to why the freedom fighter was not being granted the pension, especially when the State of Bihar had already endorsed Singh's name for it and the concerned District Magistrate had verified his name last year.
Justice Prasad remarked that the Union Government's uncooperative stance was undermining the fundamental essence of the Pension Scheme, a situation that cannot be commended or tolerated.
"It is distressing to witness the treatment meted out to Freedom Fighters and the lack of sensitivity displayed by the Union of India towards those who have fought for the nation's independence."
The court further pointed out that the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme was instituted by the Government of India to acknowledge the sacrifices made by freedom fighters in securing the nation's independence. It expressed concern that a 96-year-old freedom fighter had to go through a strenuous process to receive his rightful pension.
"Upon reviewing the case's facts and the affidavit submitted by the State of Bihar, it is evident that all the petitioner's documents have been duly verified. The repeated insistence of the Union of India to re-verify the documents is not acceptable. Consequently, the Writ Petition is granted," stated the court.
TAGS: Court ruling Pension Scheme Freedom fighter Union of India Bihar Government Verification Insensitivity.
