Supreme Court Rules Air Force Group Insurance Society Is '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, as it performs public functions related to the welfare and insurance of armed forces personnel and their families. The court noted the society operates under deep government control, with key administrative roles held by serving Indian Air Force members and oversight by the Ministry of Defence. This decision overturned the Delhi High Court's earlier view and allows employees to seek judicial review of service-related matters.