Quick Summary: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court decided against Sudha, who wanted a family pension after her husband, a government worker, passed away. The court said the rules were clear: since her husband was officially confirmed in his job after 2003, she isn't eligible for the old pension plan.
Sudha went to court because she thought she should get a family pension after her husband died while working. Her husband was hired before April 1, 2003, but his job was officially confirmed after this date, which is important because a new pension plan started after April 2003.
Justice Abdul Quddhose looked at the rules and past cases. He found that even though Sudha's husband was hired before the new pension rules, he was only officially confirmed in his job after they started. This means Sudha doesn't qualify for the old pension plan.
Sudha's lawyer mentioned past cases where exceptions were made. However, the judge noted these cases involved special situations, like workers not being allowed to start before 2003 or having physical disabilities. Sudha's situation didn't fit these exceptions.
The court dismissed Sudha's request, emphasizing that rules are rules. However, the judge did say that if Sudha is eligible for the new type of pension plan, the government should pay her within twelve weeks.
This case highlights the importance of understanding government rules and how they apply to different situations. Sudha's case shows that even if someone is hired before certain rules, what matters is when the job was officially confirmed.
