Delhi High Court Rules on Widow’s Pension Claim After Closure of Application Window

A Delhi High Court ruling has denied a widow’s claim for a family pension from the Bank of Maharashtra, citing procedural non-compliance. Savitri Devi, whose husband Ramesh Chand passed away in 2006, applied for the pension after the deadline set by the bank’s pension scheme. The court found that her application, submitted in 2011, did not meet the stipulated requirements.

Mr. Ramesh Chand had been employed by the Bank of Maharashtra since 1985 and died while still in service. At the time of his death, Devi was not eligible for a family pension. However, in 2010, the bank introduced a one-time option for certain employees and their families to join the pension scheme. The eligibility criteria specified that applications had to be submitted by October 18, 2010. Devi submitted her application on March 2, 2011, well past the deadline.

Reasons for Claim Rejection

The bank’s pension scheme required timely submission of applications, and Devi’s late application was a key factor in the court’s decision. The bank’s circular clearly stated that applications received after the deadline would not be considered. Devi argued that she was willing to repay the bank’s contributions to the Provident Fund and had followed up on her application multiple times. However, the court noted that she could not provide evidence that her application had been received by the bank.

The Delhi High Court emphasized that the deadline was a critical component of the pension scheme. The court found no acknowledgment from the bank confirming receipt of Devi’s application. Additionally, internal correspondence from the bank regarding her case was deemed administrative and did not constitute acceptance of her late application. The court ruled that procedural lapses could not create an entitlement to the pension outside the established scheme.

Court’s Findings

The court recognized that while the family pension scheme is designed to provide financial support to the families of deceased employees, it must adhere to its defined terms. Devi’s failure to comply with the application deadline meant she could not claim the pension. The court stated that the beneficial nature of the scheme does not allow for the disregard of its express terms. The ruling was issued on July 7, 2026, confirming that Devi’s claim for the family pension was not valid under the pension scheme’s requirements.

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