High Courts Uphold Family Pension and Ex Gratia Rights Amid Social and Legal Considerations

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a widow's 'karewa' marriage to her deceased husband's brother does not disqualify her from receiving family pension, emphasizing its social purpose and continuity of care. Separately, the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a married daughter, if the sole legal heir of a deceased employee, is entitled to ex gratia and leave encashment, rejecting marital status as a disqualifier. Both rulings highlight courts' recognition of social realities in employee benefit entitlements.