JOINT FRONT

In my view, as things stand today, a joint front among the three sets
of pensioner groups is not practicable either for the legal struggle
or for any solution through negotiations with LIC Management.

The need of the hour is to steer the cases before the Supreme Court
properly and effectively so that we may derive the advantage out of
the strong points in favour of the pensioners in the case before the
Supreme Court.

At this stage it is not wise to attempt an out of court settlement as
knowing as we do  the response  of LIC and GOI towards issues raised
by the pensioner groups so far,such a settlement-even with 1% chance
of yielding results-may take longer than the Supreme Court case.

Glaring anomalies cannot be removed completely by negotiated
compromise. Any settlement  free from anomalies can emerge only
through a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court for which, in my
opinion, chances are bright provided we conduct the case properly with
a constant and purposeful briefing to the counsel. The legal
sub-committees wherever in place need to play a very effective role in
this regard to monitor the conduct of the cases and effect mid-course
corrections where needed.

Let us not get desperate that we may end up in finding a remedy worse
than the disease, but patiently think of a workable successful
strategy for the 20th Jan 2016 SC hearing. Let all our  available
resources be put to proper use  on that day.

Greetings.
C H Mahadevan