PRADEEP SAO @ PARDEEP GUPTA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The challenge in the present writ petition is to an order dated 29th Jan., 2016 passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Patna Bench, Patna (hereinafter referred to as the 'Tribunal') whereby the request of the petitioner for appointment on compassionate ground remained unsuccessful.

(2.) The fact of the case is that Late Nakul Deo Sao was an employee of Railways. He died in harness on 15.08.1993. The petitioner is the grandson of late Nakul Deo Sao and the son of late Sharawan Sao. Nakul Deo Sao was survived by his son Shrawan Sao, who is said to have suffered mental illness and the economic crisis, therefore, he was unable to pursue his claim for compassionate appointment. Thus, the petitioner sought appointment on compassionate ground after 22 years of the death of his grandfather.

(3.) The Tribunal has rightly dismissed the application on the ground of limitation. It also found that compassionate appointment is confined to widow or any ward of the deceased employee and the grandson does not come under the definition of ward. Still further, the petitioner is said to be 28. years of age and, thus, has not approached the Tribunal within three years of attaining majority.