In Brief
A widow of a coal mine worker sought compassionate employment under a 2000 bipartite agreement between the employer and union. Although she was below 45 years and qualified, the employer refused her employment, offering only monthly compensation, because her son was eligible for a live-roster appointment at age 18. The Supreme Court held that the agreement clearly gave the widow a personal choice between employment and compensation—not the employer. Once she opted for employment and was eligible, the employer could not refuse. The Court appointed her adult son and awarded the widow Rs. 5 lakhs compensation for 13 years of lost employment, plus arrears with interest.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.