In Brief
This appeal concerns the entitlement of a naval serviceman to the service element of disability pension. The Union of India argued that disability pension benefits were available only after 15 years of service, while the respondent (discharged due to disability before completing 15 years) claimed entitlement to the service element. The Supreme Court held that Regulation 105B independently grants the service element of disability pension to those discharged due to disability attributable to naval service, regardless of whether they completed 15 years. The regulation's purpose is to prevent double payment when both service and disability pensions are due. The appeals were dismissed and the appellants were directed to pay arrears within four months.
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