Counting Pre-Regularization Service for Old Pension Scheme Eligibility: Supreme Court Rules on Substance Over Form

sketch of the Supreme Court of India
Case
PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION BOARD v. SATNAM SINGH (Supreme Court of India, 08-09-2026)
Law
Constitution of India.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of whether pre-regularization service rendered on contract or daily-wage basis qualifies for pensionary benefits.
  • Application of the legal principle that the substance of an employment regularization must prevail over its technical nomenclature.
  • Interpretation of pension regulations concerning continuous qualifying service and the exclusion of artificial breaks.
  • Reliance on established precedents regarding pension as a deferred wage and social welfare measure.