In Brief
The Supreme Court held that a state government cannot create two classes of pensioners (pre-1996 and post-1996 retirees) entitled to different revised pension benefits. Though financial constraints were the sole justification offered, the Court ruled that all pensioners form a single homogeneous class and are entitled to equal treatment. Since cost-of-living increases affect all retirees equally, a cut-off date lacks rational nexus to the revision's purpose. The Court restored a Single Judge's earlier decision, directing the State to pay all pensioners uniform revised pensions and arrears within three months.",
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