SARDAR GOVINDRAO AND OTHERS vs STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

The Supreme Court held that under Section 5(2) and (3) of the C.P. and Berar Revocation of Land Revenue Exemptions Act, 1948, the government is obligated to grant a pension to descendants of former ruling chiefs if the conditions are satisfied, despite the use of the word 'may' in the statute. The Court emphasized that the government must act in a quasi-judicial manner, providing reasons for any rejection of applications. The order of the State Government was set aside, affirming that the discretion is not absolute and must be exercised judiciously.