Karnataka High Court Upholds Compassionate Appointment Rules

The Karnataka High Court denied Priyanka Halamani's petition for a job on compassionate grounds after her father-in-law's death. The court upheld the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal's decision, asserting that the statutory definition of 'family' for such appointments does not include a daughter-in-law, and courts cannot alter this definition.

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition from Priyanka Halamani, who sought a job on compassionate grounds after her father-in-law's passing. The court upheld a previous ruling by the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal, which rejected her application.

Justices Krishna S Dixit and Vijaykumar A Patil ruled that the statutory definition of 'family' for compassionate appointments excludes a daughter-in-law. Consequently, the court emphasized it lacks the authority to change this definition. The court stated, ''The Legislature has clearly defined the 'family' for compassionate appointments, and the daughter-in-law is not included. Courts cannot alter or expand this definition.''

Halamani's counsel argued that the relevant amendment rules should be interpreted to include a daughter-in-law, but the government opposed this, stating such an alteration would overstep judicial boundaries. The court concurred with the government and concluded that it was a matter of public policy, falling under the Legislature's jurisdiction, not the judiciary's.

(With inputs from agencies.)