Compassionate Employment is a Tailored Exception, Cannot be Claimed as a Vested Right: Patna High Court

The Patna High Court dismissed an intra-court appeal seeking compassionate appointment nearly 25 years after the employee went missing, reiterating that such appointments are intended only to provide immediate financial relief to families facing sudden hardship.

The Court observed that compassionate employment is a “tailored exception” to the normal recruitment process and cannot be treated as a vested or perpetual right.

Stressing the principle of delay and laches, it held that claims raised after prolonged periods defeat the very object of the scheme, which is to help families tide over an immediate crisis caused by the loss of the breadwinner.

[Dhananjay Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar & Ors.]