P.D. DESAI, C.J. :- The petitioner was a subject of the former Princely State of Mandi which merged with the Union of India after independence and became a part of Himachal Pradesh on May 1, 1948. According to the petitioner, he was an active participant in the Praja Mandal Movement which aimed at securing the merger of the said Princely State with the Union of India after the country attained independence on Aug. 15, 1947 and he was therefore, ordered to be detained for a period of six months under S.4 of the Mandi State Public Safety Ordinance under the orders of the Home Minister of Mandi State. Consequently, the petitioner was detained on 8th of Asoj, 2004 (BK) corresponding to Sept. 24, 1947 and was released on 23rd Pausa, 2004 (BK) corresponding to Jan. 7, 1948. On the basis of the above mentioned facts, the petitioner claims that he is entitled to the benefit of grant of pension under the Freedom Fighters Pension Scheme, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as"the Scheme"), as amended from time to time, which came into force on and with effect from Aug. 15, 1972.

2. The precise case of the petitioner is that his case is covered by Cl.(g) of the Scheme which provides for pe