On Saturday, a Retired Military Officer moves Supreme Court against Centre Government's decision to freeze Dearness Allowances.

In the PIL filed, he has sought directions to Government to de-freeze DA owed to retired defence personnel.

The Dearness Allowance was to be disbursed to retired officers from the first week April which now has been frozen retrospectively w.e.f. Jan 2020 by the Ministry of Finance on April 20, in light of the COVID19 pandemic crisis crunching economy of the nation.

Retd. Military Officer Major Onkar Singh Guleria, who is a Senior Citizen aged about 69 years has now come forward to challlenge the decision .

In his plea, he has urged the Court to intervene and pass appropriate directions.

The Union of India be directed to practice what Prime Minister of India preaches, i.e. "Look after senior citizens and do not cut salary, senior citizens are more vulnerable to catching COVID 19 VIRUS than others."

He further contended about his health and stated that he is a Cancer patient & lives in a rented accommodation.

He was thus of the view that the Govt decision shall have an adverse effect on him and lakhs of Veterans like him.

The plea therefore stated that the order is malafide and can be perceived as an attacks on the very basis of an honourable survival for Veterans, especially during these harsh hours of crisis in which it they require every savings of their past the most.

The Petition read:

"It has come as a big blow especially to pensioners at a time when all veterans are more vulnerable to catching COVID 19 VIRUS (China Originated Virus in December 19 ) as being daily advocated by Prime Minister of India and all functionaries of Union of India and Doctors through media and advisory letters in black and white."
The petitioner further questions the "illegal and mechanical step" of the Centre, especially when financial packages have been attributed to business houses "at the drop of a hat".
"Then why does Prime Minister of India preaches to look after Senior citizens, not to cut salary when his own Govt is doing it. At least the Union of India must practice what its Prime Minster preaches" states Major Guleria.

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