Authority: West Bengal High Court
Order Date: 08 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petition: Pinki Nath Das (wife of a deceased employee of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd) vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors.
- Application dated 18 April 2023 seeks appointment on compassionate ground under Clause 6(g) of the respondent's Recruitment Policy 2010.
- Clause 6(g) permits only spouse, son, or unmarried daughter who were fully dependent on the deceased employee to be considered as dependents.
- Respondent authorities demanded a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the petitioner’s mother‑in‑law, arguing she was a dependent.
- Court found the mother‑in‑law is not a dependent under the policy; she receives a pension sufficient for her expenses, whereas the petitioner has two minor children to support.
- Respondent cited a 2023 rule change, but the court held that because the employee died in 2022, the 2010 Recruitment Policy and its rules govern the case.
Final Outcome
- Respondent authorities are directed to consider the petitioner’s application dated 18 April 2023, along with the submitted proforma, without requiring any further documents or an NOC from the mother‑in‑law.
- The entire appointment process must be completed by 31 August 2026, allowing the petitioner to join service from 1 September 2026, provided she is otherwise eligible.
- 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, Employment Law