Supreme Court rejects plea seeking pensionable service benefits to women Army officers

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea seeking pensionable service benefits to women SSC officers of Army who had completed 14 years of service after the cut-off date of 17th February. The Bench was led by Justice DY Chandrachud.

Justice Chandrachud informed that the relief sought by these women officers “in substance” amounted to review of its February 17 verdict giving PC to all SSC women Army officers, irrespective of them having crossed 14 years, or as the case may be, 20 years of service.

The apex court further added that if it allows the petition, other batches of officers may seek similar relief.

Also Read: Pakistanis return home after being stranded in India due to Covid-19

In its landmark judgment on 17 February, the apex court had directed the Center to consider it within three months, All serving SSC women officers for PC Whether the case is 14 years old or 20 years of service. It had said that as a one-time measure, the benefit of staying in service until obtaining 20 years pension would also be applicable to all the existing SSC officers with more than fourteen years of service.

As a one-time measure, the top court said the benefit of continuing in service until the attainment of 20 years pensionable service would also apply to all existing SSC officers with more than 14 years of service.

On behalf of 19 women officers who superannuated in March, advocate Meenakshi Lekhi submitted that benefits of the Permanent Commission should be extended to them as well.
Lekhi said the cut-off date fixed by the court in the judgment was February 17 but the government order accepting the cut-off date and grant of the Permanent Commission came in July.

On behalf of the Centre, senior counsel R Balasubramanian opposed the plea, saying it can’t be an open-ended proposition.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.