Archive · 19 Nov 2025
80-Year-Old Widow's 51-Year Struggle for Pension Ends with High Court Intervention
An 80-year-old widow in Haryana, India, finally got help from the high court after 51 years of fighting for her late husband's pension.
The court said the government was wrong and ordered them to give her the money she deserves.
Laxmi Devi's husband died in 1974, and she only received a small payment.
She has been trying to get the rest of the money ever since.
80-year-old Laxmi Devi fought for 51 years for her late husband's family pension and retirement benefits
High Court slammed 'administrative apathy' in the case
Court ordered Haryana government to release all due benefits to Laxmi Devi within 2 months
Laxmi Devi's husband died in 1974 while working as a lineman, leaving her with only a small ex gratia payment
Court noted contradictions in departmental letters regarding pension scheme eligibility
- Who
- Laxmi Devi, an 80-year-old widow, and Maha Singh, her late husband
- What
- Fought for family pension and retirement benefits
- When
- Since 1974, with high court intervention in 2023
- Where
- Haryana, India
- Why
- To secure her late husband's pension and other dues
Government's Stance
Laxmi Devi & High Court's Stance
Pension Scheme Eligibility
Government's Stance
Claimed Maha Singh was not covered under GPF/Pension Scheme
Laxmi Devi & High Court's Stance
Court noted contradictions in departmental letters indicating eligibility
- Pension Scheme
- General Provident Fund (GPF)
- Husband's Death
- January 5, 1974
- Ex Gratia Payment
- Rs 6,026 in the 1970s
- Court Order
- Release all due benefits within 2 months
- Laxmi Devi's Current Condition
- Paralysed and living in destitution