GAYATRI Vs. PUNJAB AND SIND BANK

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Gayatri, the petitioner herein, is the widow of Sarwan Kumar, an employee of the Punjab and Sind Bank. He died in harness on 14.02.2011 while working as the Manager of its Branch at Kauhrian, Sunam, State of Punjab. The petitioner applied to the Bank for employment on compassionate grounds in April, 2011. However, by order dated 09.07.2011, the Bank turned down her request on the ground that there was no scheme to provide employment on compassionate grounds and that only payment of ex-gratia would be permitted if the eligibility conditions were fulfilled. Thereafter, upon considering the request of the petitioner for grant of ex-gratia, the Bank passed order dated 22.03.2012 holding that she was not eligible as her case did not fall within the ambit of the scheme for providing financial assistance in lieu of appointment on compassionate grounds.

(2.) She thereupon filed this writ petition assailing the aforestated orders dated 09.07.2011 and 22.03.2012.

(3.) The scheme for payment of ex-gratia amount in lieu of appointment on compassionate grounds was promulgated by the Bank vide Staff Circular No.2769 dated 10.12.2007.