ANUJ KUMAR DEY & ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court ruled that the period of training as an Artificer Apprentice in the Indian Navy should be counted towards the total service for pension benefits. The Court interpreted the Navy Act, 1957, particularly Section 11, which governs the terms of service for sailors, and concluded that the appellant's service commenced from the date of the oath of allegiance, 17th August 1971, rather than the completion of training on 12th August 1975. The Court held that the appellant is entitled to pensionary benefits based on the full duration of service, including the training period.