12. The learned Government Pleader on the other hand
points out the decision of the Supreme Court in Union of India
Vs. Avtar Singh ((2006) 6 SCC 493). It is observed by the
Court that while the genuine freedom fighters are deserved to be
treated with reverence, respect and honour, it could not be lost
sight that the people who had no role to play in the freedom
struggle should not be permitted to benefit from the liberal
approach required to be adopted in the case of freedom fighters,
most of whom in the normal course are septuagenarians and
octogenarians.
In this regard, the learned senior counsel appearing
for the petitioner had drawn my attention to a Judgment of this
Court in P. Bhaskara Menon Vs. Union of IndiaW.P.(C).39646/03 9
(OP.No.9558/99) (unreported) dated 1.3.2000. In an identical
case this Court held as follows: