As per case facts, petitions were filed under Article 32 challenging provisions of the Central Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981, and similar regulations for Defence personnel. The petitioners ... argued that the Union of India recovered more from pensioners than what was initially paid upon commutation and sought rationalization of these rules. They contended that since the commuted pension is typically recovered within about 12 years, the existing 15-year recovery period was unjustified, especially given the substantial improvement in life expectancy. The question arose whether the current provisions governing pension commutation, particularly the 15-year recovery period, were fair and justified for both civilian employees and Armed Forces personnel, considering the recovery amount and the increased life expectancy. Finally, the Supreme Court ruled that the commuted portion of the pension should be restored upon the expiry of 15 years from the date of retirement for both civilian employees and Armed Forces personnel. The Court clarified that the 15-year formula for civilian pensioners would not be disturbed, and there was no justification for fixing a separate period for Armed Forces personnel, making the benefit effective from April 1, 1985. The Court rejected arguments that early retirement or weightage factors for Defence personnel warranted different treatment.