K.Sri Sowdeshwarar v. the Superintendent Engineer
Compassionate appointment – Exception to Article 14
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, W.P.No.16665 of 2025, decided 19.06.2025 by C.Kumarappan J. Dismissal of writ of certiorarified mandamus challenging TANGEDCO's rejection of compassionate appointment. Key points: death in service of Line Inspector father on 24.05.2017; mother's representation dated 15.07.2018; rejection dated 01.08.2024 for minority of applicant; petitioner attained majority July 2023, beyond the three-year guideline window for legal heirs to attain majority from date of death; compassionate appointment treated as exception to Article 14 of the Constitution requiring strict adherence to guidelines; no costs. Useful for searches on compassionate appointment eligibility timelines, TANGEDCO recruitment guidelines, Article 14 exception doctrine.
What did the court decide?
Compassionate appointment is an exception to Article 14 of the Constitution of India in public employment, and any such exception must be strictly followed in tune with the guidelines issued by the authorities concerned.