CHIEF COMM., CEN. EX.&CUST., LUCK.&ORS. vs PRABHAT SINGH

The Supreme Court ruled that the appointment on compassionate grounds under the Central Excise and Customs Department is contingent upon the availability of vacancies and the fulfillment of minimum qualification requirements as per the policy instructions. The Court upheld the rejection of Prabhat Singh's application for compassionate appointment since there were no direct recruitment vacancies and he did not meet the educational qualifications for the available post of Tax Assistant. The Court emphasized that compassionate appointments cannot be made if the prescribed criteria are not satisfied, thereby affirming the decision of the Commissioner, Central Excise, Allahabad.