T. Nandakumar Singh, J.

1. Heard Mr. A. Nilmani Singh, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. A. Bimol Singh, learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioners as well as Mr. R.S. Reisang, learned G.A. appearing for the respondents 1 and 2 and Mr. C. Kamal Singh, learned CGSC for respondent No. 3.

2. The brief facts of the petitioner-association's case are that the Association called "the All Manipur Pensioners' Association" is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act having the Regd. No. 1315/73. The petitioner association is a non-political, non-profit making and voluntary organisation, espousing the cause of old infirm pensioners. The petitioner-association filed the present writ petition for the benefit of those members who retired before 1.1.1996 (for short pre-1996 pensioners). The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 had been adopted and enforced by the State of Manipur with effect from 1.1.1977 vide notification No. 1/3/71/H-F dated 3.3.1977 under the title of "Manipur Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1977". Again, the Governor of Manipur in exercise of his powers conferred by proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India makes the Rules