The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Consider freedom fighter's application for pension: High Court

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 14, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Consider freedom fighter's application for pension: High Court

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, FEB.13. The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Government to consider the freedom fighter's pension application of S. Ramanatha Pillai within eight weeks after he submits a fresh claim.

This direction was given by Justice K.P. Sivasubramaniam on a writ petition filed by Mr. Pillai, who said that during the Quit India Movement in 1942, he as a school boy participated in rallies and suffered illegal detention. He said he had participated in protest rallies led first by S. Sivan Pillai, who later became Member of Parliament, and later under the leadership of Sundaram Pillai in Thovalai and Agastheeswaram.

While other participants were arrested and properly remanded, since he was a minor he was "mercilessly beaten" and taken to different places before being lodged in the Kuzhithurai sub-jail for over a month without warrant. He was also expelled from his school at Suchindram.

After Independence, he completed his studies and joined the Railways. Since rules specifically barred a Government employee from seeking freedom fighter's pension he had to wait till 1983 to apply.

However, in September 1994 it was rejected on the ground that he had not produced any "acceptable documentary evidence such as extracts of jail records or a co-prisoner certificate." His last application to the Government was sent in 1994.

In his petition, he said he had enclosed a certificate from Mr. Sivan Pillai, who led the march in 1942.

Despite guidelines permitting such certificates the Government was not passing any order, he said. He wanted a direction to the Government to afford him a new opportunity to furnish all available records and make submissions.

The Judge, making it clear that he would not consider the merits of the claim, asked the Government to pass appropriate orders after giving Mr. Pillai a personal hearing.

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