Authority: Hon'ble Court (Judge Reetobroto Kumar Mitra)

Order Date: 21 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: petitioner Saraswati Bouri (spouse of the late Subhas Bouri) vs. respondent Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and others.
  • Nature of Proceeding: W.P.A. 15613 of 2026 concerning a compassionate appointment and claim for Monthly Monetary Cash Compensation (MMCC) after the death of the employee.
  • Background: Subhas Bouri, a long‑term employee of ECL, died on 21 July 1993. The petitioner applied for a compassionate appointment in his place, which was rejected along with subsequent similar applications. She now claims entitlement to MMCC dating back to 1993.
  • Pending Application: An application filed on 8 January 2025 remains pending. The authorities sought clarification on the delay and requested disclosure of all prior correspondence between the petitioner and ECL.
  • Court’s Observations: The court found the requested clarifications redundant, stating the petitioner only needs to prove Subhas Bouri’s employment with ECL and his death to qualify for MMCC.

Final Outcome

  • The respondent authorities must dispose of the representation dated 8 January 2025 by 31 August 2026, provided the petitioner satisfies the conditions of proving employment and death.
  • If the petitioner is found eligible, the order must be communicated immediately and disbursement of MMCC should commence September 2026.
  • The respondent must also consider any arrears and applicable interest if the petitioner can demonstrate that she had applied for disbursal of such MMCC at the relevant time.
  • No order as to costs.
  • An urgent photostat certified copy of the order may be issued to the parties upon usual undertaking.

Topics: Compassionate Appointment, Monthly Monetary Cash Compensation, Labor Dispute