JUDGMENT

Sanjeev Sachdeva, J. (Oral)--Petitioner impugns judgment dated 31.01.2023 whereby petition filed by petitioner challenging his dismissal/discharge from the Indian Air Force w.e.f. 09.01.1998 and claim for pro rata pension has been dismissed applying the principles of res judicata and also delay and laches.

2. Petitioner was dismissed/discharged from the Indian Air Force by order dated 12.12.1997 stating "his services no longer required - unsuitable for retention in the IAF" w.e.f. 09.01.1998. He was struck off strength on 09.01.1998 itself.

3. Petitioner thereafter filed a writ petition being Writ Petition (Civil) No. 14/1998 and WMP No. 7 & 8 of 1998 before the High Court of Judicature at Madras.

4. Thereafter, it is stated that petitioner moved to Delhi to his home town after being discharged from Indian Air Force. As per learned counsel for petitioner, petitioner instructed his counsel in Madras to withdraw the petition as he intended to challenge the order before the High Court of Delhi. Thereafter, petitioner filed a petition before this Court being WP (C) No. 7131/2000.

5. Learned counsel for respondent submits that Tribunal has noticed that the earlier petition f