Bhawani Singh, J.

1. Through the present petition, the petitioner is seeking family pension from the respondents from October 15, 1990 after the death of his son Shri R.G. Sood alongwith interest at the rate of 18% per annum. In order to understand the controversy, material facts of the case may be noticed.

2. The petitioner (77) is the father of Shri R.G. Sood who died on October 15, 1990. Shri R.G. Sood was member of All India Administrative Service serving the State of Himachal Pradesh and was on study leave to America (Los Angles) when he died. The petitioner was paid Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) to the extent of Rs.48,900/- through letter of May 13, 1991 but his case for family pension was rejected on the ground that under Rule 54(14)(b) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, father did not fall within the definition of "family". The petitioner laments and contends that Shri R.G. Sood was his only son. He has no other source of income to support himself in this old age. He was completely dependent upon his son who was unmarried leaving no other member of his family, namely, wife or any children.

3. Respondent-2 called upon the petitioner to fill in necessary forms o