Judgment

DESAI, J.:- Promise of socio-economic justice depicted in rosy language in Arts. 38, 39 and 41 is being translated into a real action-oriented programme by the stand taken by the Union of India and the Ministry of Finance in this group of petitions and application for special leave which deserves approbation and commendation. Amongst the neglected sections of the society women form a bulk. In that bigger class widows are possibly the worst sufferers both socially and economically. To them, a helping hand is extended, for providing succour sofely needed by the two statements made in the Court by Mr. B. Dutta, learned counsel appearing for the Union of India and the Ministry of Finance. Throughout the course of hearing; Mr. B. Dutta adopted a positive, constructive and helpful attitude and he is equally entitled to our appreciation.

2. As a sequel to the decision of the Constitution Bench of this Court in D. S. Nakara v. Union of India. (1983) 2 SCR 165 a number of petitions came to be filed by persons claiming to be entitled to the socially beneficent approach of the Court. One such group comprised widows of erstwhile Government servants who are not in. receipt of family pens