P M RANGANATHAN Vs. GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE writ petitioner, who is aged 84 years, has participated in the freedom struggle and he was eligible as per the criteria formulated by the first respondent for grant of Freedom Fighters' Pension. THE said policy was enunciated by the Government of Tamil Nadu in G.O.Ms.No,581, Public (Political Pension-II) Department, dated 11.4.1983.

(2.) THE petitioner has submitted his application as early as in the year 1983 vide his petition dated 21.4.1983, which was resubmitted after enclosing necessary records. By communication dated 3.6.1994, the Under Secretary to Government directed the Collector of North Arcot District to verify the official documentary evidence pertaining to the petitioner, such as extracts of jail records, court order, INA certificate, co-prisoner's certificate.

(3.) AS on date, it is not in dispute that the petitioner has completed 70 years and now he is running 84 years. In spite of such categoric stand taken by the Government as well as the District Collector and the Screening Committee all throughout the proceedings, it is not known as to why the Freedom Fighters' pension has not been sanctioned to the petitioner. It is astonishing to see that an application filed by a person as early as in the year 1983, who fought for the freedom of this country, is kept pending for 36 years dragging him from pillar to post. The records very well show that the avowed object of the Government is attempted to be implemented by the Under Secretary to the Government, the District Collector and other higher officials, but somehow the same is delayed successfully by the officials of the respondent/Department for 36 years, aggrieved by which, the petitioner being a vexed man has approached this Court for sanction of Freedom Fighters' Pension.