K. L. RATHEE vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the Liberalised Pension Formula introduced by the Government on 25.5.1979, which applies only to those who retired on or after 31.3.1979, does not violate the principle of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. The Court distinguished the case from D. S. Nakara & Ors. vs. Union of India, emphasizing that the classification based on retirement date is valid. The petitioner's claim for equal pension benefits was rejected, affirming the government's cut-off date as lawful.