EX NAVY DIRECT ENTRY ARTIFICERS ASSO. vs THE UNION OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY

The Supreme Court addressed the eligibility of Ex Navy Direct Entry Artificers for pension benefits under Regulation 78 of the Navy (Pension) Regulations, 1964, which requires a minimum of 15 years of service. The Court held that the period spent in Fleet Reserve, which counts as 50% towards pension eligibility, can be combined with the actual service of 10 years to meet the 15-year requirement. The appeal was allowed, overturning the Armed Forces Tribunal's dismissal of the appellants' claims for pensionary benefits.