C.R. Sarma, J.

1. The above three writ appeals involve the question regarding entitlement of freedom fighters' pension, under the Freedom Fighters' Pension Scheme, 1972, by the Freedom Fighters and the members of their family. The common judgment and order, dated 13.12.2004, passed by the learned Single Judge in (1) W.P.(C) No. 276 of 1999, filed by Smti Rani Bala Saha, (2) W.P.(C) No. 281 of 1999, filed by Smti Hemlata Saha, (3) W.P.(C) No. 282 of 1999, filed by Smti Parul Rani Saha and in nine other writ petitions filed by Ors., is in challenge in this set of writ appeals. As this set of writ appeals, arising out of the said cordon judgment and order, carry common question of law, on almost identical factual premises and represented by the same sets of Advocates, for sake of convenience and as agreed to by the learned Counsels representing the parties, the above three writ appeals have been heard together and are taken up for disposal by this common judgment and order.

2. The Government of India introduced a scheme, known as Freedom Fighters' Pension Scheme, 1972, for grant of pension to the freedom fighters or in case of death, to their families. The scheme provided income