Chandigarh, June 11
In a country which dotes on its brave and misses no opportunity in hailing the sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the case of Major Gurdit Singh (retd) is unique.

Denied his rightful pension and other claims as a retired Army officer for the past almost 59 years, Major Gurdit Singh's only fault was that he rebelled against the British even though he was an officer in the Royal Indian Army. The rebellion led to his court martial.

But, when India became free, the powers-that-be refused to even acknowledge his sacrifice, let alone honour him. So much so, that he has even been refused pension given to former Army officers or that sanctioned to freedom fighters.

However, if things go right from now on, the 92-year-old former Army officer might still get his dues. For, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the government to pay pension to him from May, 1991 onwards within a period of three months. He would also be entitled to interest at the rate of 6 per cent per annum on the amount from May, 1991.

Having been commissioned as an officer in the Royal Indian Army on May 15, 1941, Major Gurdit (retd), bowing to the call of his conscience, participated in a procession against the British on February 2, 1946, at Ernakulam. Carrying a Congress flag and a picture of Netaji Subhash Chander Bose, he also raised anti-British slogans.

He was brought to trial before a summary court martial and finally dismissed from service on May 19, 1946.

However, when the country gained independence, Major Gurdit (retd) applied for re-instatement, pleading that he had fallen victim to an alien rulers. However, his claim was not accepted immediately and he was told to submit his resignation, which was accepted on August 30, 1948. He was assured that he would be entitled to all dues, and, if possible, would even be considered for fresh employment in the Army. But, that was not to be.

After exhausting all options, including numerous representations to the authorities, Major Gurdit (retd) gave up and settled in his village in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. Soon, the family fell on hard times, with the Major performing odd jobs to earn a living.

But, his cousin, Major Narinder Singh Jallo (retd), refused to give up. He started writing to the government and the Army authorities etc, requesting that the wrong that had been done to Major Gurdit (retd) be undone and he be granted at least the Swatantra Sainik Sanman Pension. His representation made to the Army Headquarters failed to elicit any positive response, with the Army informing him that the service record of Major Gurdit (retd) had been destroyed and hence nothing could be done.

Then Major Jallo prevailed upon his cousin to approach the courts for justice.

"The entire family was facing so many hardships. Major Gurdit had already suffered a paralytic attack. His son was a truck driver. Can you image an Army officer's son driving a truck to earn a living?" recalls Major Jallo.

Ironically, during hearing of Major Gurdit's petition filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the authorities asserted that he was not entitled to any pension as he had been dismissed from service.