JUDGMENT

Chelameswar, J.

Leave granted.

2. This appeal arises out of a Writ Petition that challenged the Constitutional validity of certain Amendments [By the Amendment Act 2003, Act 9 of 2004, Amending Act No. 40 of 2006 and Amending Act 37 of 2010.] made to the Salaries, Allowances and Pensions of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"). The provisions challenged relate to the payment of pension and other facilities to members of Parliament (hereinafter referred to as "MPs") and ex-members of Parliament (hereinafter referred to as "ex-MPs"), and their spouses/companions/dependents (collectively hereafter referred to as "ASSOCIATES"). The 1st Appellant sought the following prayers, inter alia, in the Writ Petition before the Allahabad High Court:

1. "Declare that the provisions of various amending Acts to Act 30 of 1954, and particularly those of the Amending Act 9 of 2004, and Amending Act No. 40 of 2006 and Amending Act 37 of 2010, providing for pension/family pension to ex-MPs/dependents, travel facilities to spouse and other non-members, (in addition to the companion) and ex-MPs, as well as continuation of facilities, regarding unutilized quotas of t