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The said allowances were denied to the widow on the ground that Sood was not from Maharashtra and had migrated to Maharashtra
The wife of late Major Anuj Sood has approached the Bombay High Court seeking ex-servicemen benefits from the Maharashtra State Government.
Anuj Sood, aged 30, sacrificed his life on May 2, 2020, while extracting civilian hostages from terrorist hideouts. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, Sood was awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" by the President of India, effective from April 29, 2020.
The widow has approached the high court seeking ex-servicemen allowances, which have been denied by the State Government.
The said allowances were denied to the widow on the ground that Sood was not from Maharashtra and had migrated to Maharashtra.
The wife claimed benefits on the ground that the family had been residing in Maharashtra for the last 15 years as wished by her late husband. She added that Sood always intended to reside in Pune, Maharashtra.
It was contended that since Sood was a Shourya Chakra holder, the widow was also entitled to a monthly allowance.
Taking into account the specific circumstances of the case and without setting a precedent, the high court directed the state government to consider the widow’s representation as a special case.
“Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, considering the peculiar facts of the case and without the case being treated as a precedent, as a special case, we are of the opinion that an appropriate decision is required to be taken at the highest level. It is rightly suggested to us that the appropriate decision can only be taken by Respondent No.1,” the order reads.
The high court has posted the matter for further hearing on 28th March.
Senior Advocate Ashutosh Kumbhakoni and Advocate Sneha S. Bhange appeared for the petitioner.
Assistant Government Pleader P.J.Gavhane appeared for the state government.
Case title: Smt.Aakriti Singh Sood vs State of Maharashtra
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