HEERA SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Following almost two centuries of hegemonic British rule, India attained independence on 15th August, 1947. Various schemes were introduced, by the Indian Government, to commemorate those who had shed their blood and sweat for the country's struggle for independence, one among them being the SSS Pension Scheme relating to Freedom Fighters' Pension.

(2.) The first scheme, providing for grant of pension to freedom fighters and their family members, was originally introduced in 1973, and was substituted by a fresh scheme, which came to be known as the Swatantrata Sainik Samman (SSS) Pension Scheme, 1980 (hereinafter referred to as "the SSS Pension Scheme").

(3.) Clause 4 of the SSS Pension Scheme defined "freedom fighter" thus: