The Supreme Court urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) to reconsider its pension regulations, which currently exclude stepmothers from benefits, emphasizing that the term “mother” should not be restricted to biological mothers. The court highlighted the need for a flexible interpretation based on individual circumstances, suggesting that familial roles should be recognized for welfare purposes. The appellant, a stepmother who raised her deceased officer-son since age six, had her pension claim rejected by the IAF and Armed Forces Tribunal due to existing regulations and income criteria. The case underscores the importance of adaptability in policy to reflect diverse family structures.