Married Woman cannot be said to be 'dependent' on her deceased mother for compassionate appointment: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court recently held that a married daughter cannot be said to be 'dependent' on her deceased mother and, therefore, would not be entitled to appointment on compassionate grounds [State of Maharashtra and Another v. Ms Madhuri Maruti Vidhate].

A division bench of Justices MR Shah and Krishna Murari made this clarification on an appeal filed by the Maharashtra government challenging a decision of the Bombay High Court which had confirmed the order passed by the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal directing appointment of the respondent on compassionate grounds.

The father of the respondent was in the clerical cadre serving with the appellant. After his death, his wife, i.e., mother of the respondent was appointed on compassionate ground. However, she died while in service.

Thereafter, the elder sister of the respondent made application seeking appointment on compassionate ground.