Dear Editor,
I too chose to remain silent till the official version of the Order is out. But after seeing a few Posts particularly the statement issued by Sri KML, I am obliged to rush with this.
I was standing in the Court near row one, throughout the proceedings. But I admit, quite a few things said by some Advocates were not clear having been drowned by what others were saying simultaneously. I was focusing purposely more on how Justice Misra was responding. Here is my brief summary of what happened.
When our number was called, UoI's Sr Counsel was the first to stand up and pressed for admission of her SLPs. There was suggestion from LIC Counsel to adjourn the hearing till after the vacation. Some dates, after a week from the Court reopening were being considered.
There was loud cross talk by all (like in 'Times Now' Channel). Who said what is irrelevant now. But the Bench decided that the amount should deposited for ALL Pensioners (not merely the Petitioners) it shall be allowed to be withdrawn. When Mr Nidhesh Gupta and RK Singh were trying to convey to the Bench what is payable, Mr KML joined his Counsel and tried hard to tell them something on Pension up-gradation, it was full scale melee, Justice Misra was already dictating the Order. He concluded that 20% of the arrears payable "UNDER THE IMPUGNED JUDGEMENT". No other elaboration on what is the actual amount payable of which 20% should be paid as interim relief. - An important correction in what is reported by KML During the dictation, Justice Misra said "Stay vacated..." It was then that Mr Nidhesh Gupta and others hastened to tell the Bench there was no stay and that actually stay was not granted to LIC. It was news to the Bench.
Further, my understanding is that UOI's SLPs stand admitted. I heard "Leave granted - SLPs admitted". Notice to the Respondent was to file its Counter to the SLPs not against their admission. That was the reason for LIC to have asked for and obtain long adjournment. I am open to correction on this.
Mr KML's comments on Chandigarh Petitioners' Counsel being not there (nobody else was there ) etc. are factually incorrect and were twisted to suit his own claims. He will come to know of the whole truth very soon and he has to gracefully withdraw his aspersions. A lot more will come to public notice shortly.
The real issue as he himself indicated rightly, is how LIC is going to act on the Order now. I am sure he is ready for the shocks and surprises. I had met and personally alerted him and Mr SS Saxena soon after we all came out of the Court Hall, that he needs the active collaboration of Panchkula/Chandigarh Petitioners now, more than before, to pursue the common cause. More on that too.
Let us now wait for the Order.
Thanks and regards,
