Supreme Court Rules Air Force Group Insurance Society as 'State' Under Constitution

The Supreme Court ruled that the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) qualifies as a 'State' under Article 12 of the Constitution due to its public function of safeguarding armed forces personnel welfare. The bench noted government control through the President's sanction, compulsory membership deductions, and administration by serving Indian Air Force officers. This decision overturned the Delhi High Court's February 2023 ruling in a pay parity dispute involving AFGIS employees.