INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRI.RESEARCH vs SANTOSH

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) granting family pension to the respondent despite the deceased husband not holding permanent status, citing the 'Casual Labourers (Grant of Temporary Status and Regularisation) Scheme of Government of India, 1993'. The Court emphasized that the respondent's claim was valid based on the long service of nearly 20 years and relevant circulars applicable to Railway employees. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the CAT's ruling that the deceased should be deemed regularized for the purpose of pension benefits.