Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Centre told to reconsider freedom fighter’s pension plea

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Union Government to consider the case of a 93-year-old freedom fighter, who moved the court seeking a direction to the authorities to reconsider the matter of Swatanthra Sainik Sanman Pension (SSSP) to him based on his original application of 2002, and grant the pension within eight weeks.

In his order, Justice K.Venkataraman said the Union Government, represented by its Secretary, Public (Political Pension) department, Ministry of Home, cited as the first respondent, could not keep the petitioner waiting endlessly. The petitioner was stated to be 93 years old and he could not be driven from pillar to post to get what he was entitled to.

S. Kalimuthu submitted that he had participated in the Quit India Movement. Due to his participation in the freedom struggle, the police issued a detention order against him. He went underground for a year.

The State government granted him freedom fighter’s pension in 1994. He applied for the SSSP, better known as Central Government Pension for freedom fighters. The State government recommended his case. However, by an order in 2004, the Centre rejected his request stating he had not produced acceptable documentary evidence and the non-availability of record certificate had not been issued by the State government in the prescribed format. If the petitioner submitted acceptable documentary evidence, his request would be considered.

The petitioner said he made another representation and sent a reminder. But his case was not considered.

Counsel K.Santhakumari submitted that the petitioner had enclosed all relevant documents required. Rejecting the Centre’s contention, Mr. Justice Venkataraman said the State at best could place only those records which were available with it before the Centre.

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