The Madras High Court ruled that a stepson is not entitled to family pension under the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993. The Court held that family pension is a statutory benefit available only to persons falling within the Rules’ definition of “family,” unlike gratuity nominations.
The Madras High Court criticised State officials for remaining ex parte in a 2001 case involving government “Natham Poramboke” land, calling it a serious lapse affecting public interest. The Court directed strict guidelines, timelines, and disciplinary action to protect government property in future cases.
