In Brief
The State of Maharashtra challenged a High Court order requiring it to appoint Ms. Madhuri Vidhate on compassionate grounds following her mother's death. The respondent's father (a clerical employee) had died in service; her mother was then appointed on compassionate grounds but later died. Seven years later, the respondent—a married daughter—sought compassionate appointment. The Supreme Court held that compassionate appointment is a limited exception designed to relieve sudden financial destitution, not a career entitlement. Married daughters cannot be presumed dependents. Since significant time had elapsed and the respondent's elder sister had already been rejected on similar grounds, the appointment would contradict the purpose of compassionate employment. The Court quashed both the Tribunal's and High Court's orders, allowing the State's appeal.
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