MAHARANI DEVI vs UNION OF INDIA .

The Supreme Court ruled that the amendment to the compassionate appointment policy by the Railway Board, which occurred after the death of the employee, does not apply retrospectively. The Court held that the appellants were entitled to consideration for compassionate appointment based on the circulars in effect at the time of the employee's death, specifically referencing Circular No. E(NG) 11/88-RC-1/1 dated 12.02.1990. The Court directed that the application for compassionate appointment should be reconsidered in light of the applicable circulars, thereby allowing the appeal.