The Supreme Court ordered the Modi government on 13 Mar 2023 to withdraw the Defence Ministry communication of 20 Jan stating that the arrears of OROP would be paid in four half-yearly instalments as it was contrary to the Supreme Court’s order.
The CJI stated that in the next hearing on 20 Mar he would consider the need for extension of time for disbursement by the government based on facts.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi stated that 4 lakh pensioners had died during the pendency of the petition and it absolved the government from paying them anything. The court clarified that the pension arrears would be paid to their dependents.
My Comments
Democratic functioning ensured by adherence to the Constitution and genuine practice of the rule of law is in the interests of the masses. Modi-bhakti was taking us in the wrong direction, as is apparent from this case. The Supreme Court has helped the retired pensioners.
–BY COL M M NEHRU
