PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK vs ASHWINI KUMAR TANEJA

The Supreme Court upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision affirming the appointment of the respondent on compassionate grounds, emphasizing that the financial benefits received by the family of the deceased employee do not negate the need for such appointments. The Court clarified that compassionate appointments are not a matter of right but are intended to alleviate sudden financial crises faced by the family of a deceased employee. The ruling referenced the principles established in State of Haryana v. Rani Devi, noting that compassionate appointments must be governed by rules that align with Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India.