99-yr-old freedom fighter awaits pension for 23 years

Pointing out that this was a case where a freedom fighter, at the advanced age of 99, has approached the court with the fond hope that he would be recognised get as a freedom fighter before his last breath, Justice R Suresh Kumar said, “This court feels that it is a case where the authorities concerned are to be ashamed of the inaction on their part, as a freedom fighter, at the age of 99, has approached this court by filing writ petition to get recognition and pension.”

As per the case, Kapoor of Vyasarpadi in Chennai had made a belated application in 1997 to both central and State governments for sanction of freedom fighters’ pension. While the Centre had directed the State authorities to forward their recommendation with necessary documents in 1997 itself, the tahsildar concerned held an enquiry and sent a detailed report to the Chennai district Collector on April 29, 2011.

Thereafter, the petitioner was directed to appear before the district Collector on August 8, 2015, with necessary documents in original, which, according to the petitioner, was given on the day he appeared.

But since then, the matter has been still pending before State authorities especially the district Collector despite several correspondences and communications. No final decision has been taken to recommend the request of the petitioner to the central authorities for getting freedom fighters’ pension, he said in the petition.

Based on this, Justice Suresh Kumar noted that the court wanted the matter to be decided at the earliest point of time, and directed the Assistant Solicitor General to get a quick response for filing a written 

statement and to assist the court. Also, allowing the petitioner to give private notice to the State authorities concerned, including the district Collector, the judge directed the State government pleader to get immediate response and to file a status report on the matter before November 6.