In Brief
A son of a deceased police constable sought compassionate appointment more than 11 years after his father's death. The father died in 1997 when the son was seven; the son's name was entered in a Minor's Register in 1998, signalling a reserved post. However, when the son applied after attaining majority in 2008, his claim was rejected as time-barred under the three-year rule established in 1999 instructions. The Supreme Court held that compassionate appointment is not a vested right but a discretionary exception to aid families in distress, subject to strict statutory compliance. The three-year limit is reasonable and cannot be waived. The Court dismissed the son's appeal but allowed the mother one opportunity to claim ex-gratia compensation instead, as she had not been informed of this alternative option when her son's claim was rejected.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.