UNION OF INDIAN & ORS. vs LT. COL. P. S. BHARGAVA

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether an army officer forfeits pension and retirement benefits upon resignation. The Court held that the denial of pensionary benefits for an officer who has completed qualifying service is unreasonable, particularly when prior permission to resign is required. The Court upheld the Guwahati High Court's ruling that the respondent should not be deprived of his pension and other benefits, emphasizing that such benefits are not merely a matter of grace but a right upon completion of service.