Pension Hard-Earned 'Property' Protected Under Article 300A, Can't Be Taken Away Without Following Due Process: Chhattisgarh High Court

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that pension is a hard-earned benefit and should be considered as property under Article 300-A of the Constitution of India. The court emphasized that the right to receive a pension is a valuable right that accrues to a government employee for their long and meritorious service. This interpretation ensures that pensioners are entitled to legal recourse if their pension benefits are unjustly withheld or altered. The ruling underscores the state's obligation to ensure timely and fair disbursement of pension as a form of deferred compensation. It also reinforces the constitutional protection afforded to property rights, extending it to include the right to receive pensionary benefits earned through dedicated service. This judgment serves as a significant safeguard for the financial security of retired government employees.