MUKUND LAL BHANDARI AND ORS. vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under the Freedom Fighters Pension Scheme 1972, the delay in application does not affect entitlement to pension, which is payable from the date of application regardless of when the required proof is submitted. The Court emphasized that the scheme's purpose is to assist and honor freedom fighters, and thus, rigid time limits for proof are unrealistic and contrary to the scheme's spirit. The Court ruled that applications should be accepted as valid from the date received, ensuring that the benefits are accessible to all eligible claimants, irrespective of administrative deadlines.