SUCHET SINGH YADAV vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. FOR RESPONDENT NOS 1 TO 4

The Supreme Court addressed the appeals concerning the entitlement of retired commissioned officers of the Defence Forces to the next higher pay scale as per the Government of India's orders following the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations. The Court held that the officers who retired before 01.01.1996 are entitled to the benefits of the higher pay scale as per the orders dated 21.11.1997 and subsequent clarifications. The divergent views expressed by the Armed Forces Tribunal on this issue were resolved in favor of the officers, granting them the relief sought.