JUDGMENT

SAWANT, J.:—This is a petition by some freedom fighters and dependants of other freedom fighters claiming pension under the Freedom Fighters Pension Scheme, 1972. The Scheme was introduced by the Government of India on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Independence. It commenced on 15th August, 1972 and provided for the grant of pension to freedom fighters and if they were not alive to their families and also to the families of the martyrs. The minimum pension sanctioned to the freedom fighters was Rs. 200 per month and for their families, it varied from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 in accordance with the size and the number of eligible dependants in the family. Till 31st July, 1980 the pension was admissible only to those whose gross annual income did not exceed Rs. 5000/-. From 1st August 1980, the benefit of the Scheme was extended to all freedom fighters irrespective of their income and as a token of honour (Sanman) to them. From that date, the maximum quantum of pension was also increased from Rs. 200/- to Rs. 300/-for freedom fighters and the minimum was enhanced from Rs. 100/- to Rs. 200/- to the widows of the late freedom fighters with addition of Rs. 50/- per mont