SC Upholds Pension Denial for Resigning Govt Staff; Gratuity Allowed

• Central government can deny pension benefits to employees who voluntarily resign, even after long service.
• The Supreme Court upheld this, referencing the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972.
• Resignation leads to forfeiture of past service, unless its withdrawal is in public interest.
• Despite pension denial, employees or their heirs are still entitled to gratuity and leave encashment.
• The ruling clarifies that voluntary retirement is distinct from resignation for pension eligibility.

Why It Matters: SC ruling: Government staff resigning forfeit pension, even after long service.