I.G. (KARMIK) vs PRAHALAD MANI TRIPATHI

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of appointment under the compassionate ground following the death of an employee in harness, governed by statutory rules and Article 309 of the Constitution of India. The Court held that while the respondent was initially appointed as a Peon, he could not later claim a higher post as a Constable due to the principle of estoppel, as he accepted the lower position without objection. The Court emphasized that appointments must adhere to the constitutional principles of equality under Articles 14 and 16, and the appeal was dismissed, upholding the decisions of the Tribunal and the High Court.