The Bombay High Court dismissed a plea filed by the Maharashtra government related to the case of Major Anuj Sood’s widow. The plea sought to challenge the compensation awarded to Major Sood’s widow by a civil court.
Maharashtra: Today (4 April): The Bombay High Court dismissed the Maharashtra government’s plea for a four-week extension on addressing the court’s directive regarding the request of Aakriti Singh Sood, the widow of martyred Major Anuj Sood.
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Major Sood, who sacrificed his life during a counterinsurgency operation in 2020, expressed a desire to settle down in Maharashtra. The court criticized the government for its slow response on this matter, highlighting its ability to work swiftly when necessary.
The Bombay High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government’s “secretarial reasons” for seeking additional time to address the court’s directive concerning Major Anuj Sood’s widow’s request.
Aakriti Singh Sood approached the court seeking monetary relief and the Shaurya Chakra allowance as a special case, as her late husband had wished to settle in Maharashtra. Major Sood was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra by the government.
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During the hearing, Assistant Public Prosecutor PJ Gavhane cited a communication stating that the government required more time due to the unavailability of higher-ranking officers in the concerned department.
However, Justices GS Kulkarni and FP Pooniwalla rejected the government’s plea, emphasizing that administrative issues were not valid reasons for seeking an extension. The court pointed out that the election code of conduct would not hinder the government’s actions, as the court’s order predates the election announcement.
The bench urged the government and remarked that it should exhibit a large-hearted approach. They specifically addressed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that granting relief to Major Sood’s widow would bring honor to him and reminding him of Maharashtra’s prestigious status as a “Maha” state.
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According to the Maharashtra government, only individuals born in Maharashtra or those who have continuously resided in the state for 15 years are eligible for the relief and allowance sought by Major Sood’s widow.
However, Advocates Ashutosh Kumbhakoni and Sneha Bhange argued that Major Sood hailed from Maharashtra and presented documents demonstrating the family’s residency in the state. They contended that Major Sood, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, should be entitled to the benefits outlined in the state government’s policy, which had been unjustly denied to his widow.
