​The Supreme Court of India has questioned the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) denial of a family pension to Jayashree Y Yogi, a woman who raised her stepson, Harsha, from the age of six after his biological mother passed away. Harsha later joined the Air Force and died in service. The IAF’s refusal was based on its regulations, which do not recognize stepmothers as eligible for family pensions.​

Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh challenged this stance, emphasizing that the term “mother” should encompass stepmothers, especially in modern family structures. Justice Kant remarked that such regulations are neither constitutional mandates nor immutable, suggesting they should evolve to reflect contemporary family dynamics, including adoption and surrogacy. He questioned whether a woman who raises a child from birth, even if not biologically hers, should be denied a pension if the child dies in service.​

The court’s observations highlight a broader issue of outdated policies failing to recognize diverse family roles and relationships. The IAF has been directed to reconsider its regulations in light of these discussions.

Sources