THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.21783 of 2009 ORDER: The petitioners submitted applications for sanction of freedom fighters’ pension. It is stated that their applications were processed by the State Government and that the Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, has addressed letters of different dates, of the year 2008, to the Central Government i.e. the respondents herein, to take further steps. The grievance of the petitioners is that though more than one year has elapsed, the respondents have not taken any steps. It is brought to the notice of this Court that some of the persons, whose names find place in the letters, addressed by the State Government, died on account of old age. The petitioners seek appropriate directions as regards the sanction of pension. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners, and learned Standing Counsel for the Central Government. The process of the sanction of freedom fights’ pension that started few decades ago, is still on, with no possibility of its reaching finality in the near future. Scores of cases are pending. Matters of this nature ought not to be pending for such a long time. In many cases, the applicants are leaving this world on account of old age. No useful purpose would be served, if ultimately it is found that they were eligible for sanction of the pension. It may be true that the Government is flooded with applications, genuine as well as bogus. Though it would take quite some time for processing the applications, it should be ensured that the genuine applicant is not denied honour and benefit. Hence, the writ petition is disposed of, directing the respondents to complete the process of the applications submitted by the petitioners, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.29-10-2009. KO