New Delhi: The Supreme Court grants ₹10 lakh to Shaurya Chakra awardee’s widow in a landmark judgment recognizing the extraordinary sacrifice made by her husband while saving fellow workers during a road construction project near the India-China border. The Court ruled that justice should not be denied because of procedural delays and ordered additional financial relief for the widow under its constitutional powers.
Details of Shaurya Chakra awardee Mohan Singh Window Compensation Order
The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to pay ₹10 lakh to Kuldeep Kaur, widow of late Mohan Singh, a General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) employee. The order was passed by a Bench comprising Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Justice Arun Palli.
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The Court exercised its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, which allows it to deliver complete justice in exceptional cases.
Who Was Mohan Singh
Mohan Singh worked as an Overseer with the GREF and was involved in the construction of the Hayuliang-Metengliang-Chalobgham road in Arunachal Pradesh. The road project was considered strategically important for India’s border infrastructure near China.
On July 10, 2000, while supervising construction work, Singh noticed a large boulder and debris rolling toward workers and machinery. He immediately warned workers and helped move equipment to safety. During the rescue effort, he was struck and swept into a valley, losing his life while saving others.
Government Honoured His Bravery
Recognizing his courage and sacrifice, the Government of India posthumously awarded Mohan Singh the Shaurya Chakra on October 19, 2001. The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. The Supreme Court described Singh’s actions as a “supreme sacrifice” made while performing official duty.
Pension Dispute Reaches Supreme Court
After her husband’s death, Kuldeep Kaur received an ordinary family pension. In 2005, she sought Extraordinary Family Pension under applicable government rules. Her request was rejected because she had already received compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Another representation filed later was also rejected.
Shaurya Chakra awardee Mohan Singh Window Compensation Order: High Court Proceedings
The Punjab and Haryana High Court later ruled that Mohan Singh’s death qualified under the relevant pension category and made him eligible for extraordinary pension benefits. However, the High Court limited arrears to three years before the filing of the petition.
Kuldeep Kaur challenged this restriction before the Supreme Court.
Shaurya Chakra awardee Mohan Singh Window Compensation Order: Supreme Court’s Key Observations
The Supreme Court agreed that Singh’s death qualified for extraordinary pension benefits. The Court observed that a widow should not be denied rightful relief simply because she approached the court after a long period.
The judges emphasized that Singh sacrificed his life while saving fellow workers and serving the nation. The Court also noted that he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery, making the case unique and deserving of special consideration.
Financial Relief Already Provided
During the hearing, the Attorney General informed the Court that authorities had already implemented part of the High Court’s order. More than ₹14 lakh had been released to Kuldeep Kaur. Additional pension arrears had also been paid.
The Court was also informed that compensation received earlier had been returned by the widow.
₹10 Lakh Compensation Under Article 142
Considering the special circumstances of the case, the Supreme Court fixed a consolidated amount of ₹10 lakh for the period from July 13, 2000, to July 12, 2015. The Court clarified that this amount was granted under Article 142 and based on the unique facts of the case. The Union Government has been directed to release the amount within four weeks.
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