Supreme Court pulls up Centre over delay in resolving pension anomalies in One Rank One Pension

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily upon the Centre over its failure to pay the pension to retired Captains in accordance with the One Rank One Pension scheme.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and R Mahadevan told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, "Either you pay an enhanced pension by 10 per cent or we are imposing a cost on you." 

The court slapped Rs two lakh cost on the Centre and directed that it should be deposited in the welfare funds of the Army. 

The court cautioned the government that if it failed to take a decision by November 14, then it will direct an enhanced pension by 10 per cent to the retired regular captains. 

The bench said the Centre will have to resolve all anomalies in connection with the pension of such retired officers under the scheme.

The bench said it is not happy with the matter dragging on for many years and the government has failed to take a timely decision in the matter. 

Bhati contended that the government will have to look at the issue holistically and consider all the six anomalies pointed out by the AFT Kochi, since the decision may affect others.

The bench said it is not inclined to give any more time to the Centre and it will direct an enhanced pension to these retired officers.

Bhati sought three months time, saying the government would file an affidavit.

The bench said the government will either have to pay a cost or it should start paying 10 per cent more. 

Bhati said the cost will serve equity better than enhanced pension.

The bench gave the Centre time till November 14 as the last opportunity, and imposed a cost of Rs two lakh, before fixing the matter for further hearing on November 25.