Pension benefits of five women officers should be reworked, SC tells Navy

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Indian Navy to rework the pension plan of five women short service commission officers by waiving the interest on the gratuity refund, the Hindustan Times reported.

The five officers had missed out on getting permanent commission as they had been released from service before September 26, 2008.

In March 2020, the Supreme Court had directed that women short service commission officers in the Navy who continued in service after September 26, 2008 should be eligible for the grant of permanent commission.

The Navy officers who approached the apex court were eligible only for pensions benefits and a one-time compensation of Rs 25 lakh, and not a reinstatement.

Permanent commission entitles an officer to serve in the Navy till they retire. The short service commission, on the other hand, is currently for 10 years and can be extended by four more years.

One of the petitioners told the Supreme Court that she would need to refund the gratuity along with an interest of over Rs 13.95 lakh, thus placing a huge burden on the officer.

The petitioners described the demand for interest as completely unjustified and untenable. They also contended that their pension was calculated against 14 years of service.

The officials cited a judgement passed on March 2020 by the…

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