In Brief
A widow and two minor children of a deceased Air Force sergeant sought compassionate appointment to central government employment following her spouse's death from cancer in 2008. She received a family pension of Rs 8,265 monthly (to reduce to Rs 4,959 after ten years). The authorities rejected her application, and both a tribunal and high court ordered reconsideration, viewing the pension amount as improperly considered. The Supreme Court reversed these orders, holding that family pension as of application date must be considered in evaluating financial hardship; future pension reductions are irrelevant. Compassionate appointment aims to address immediate crisis, not provide career advancement. Consistent application of policy across all applicants is required.
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