Karnataka High Court: Widow Entitled To Compassionate Job Despite Age Bar

The Karnataka High Court directed the North West Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) to appoint a widow as a Group-D employee on compassionate grounds despite her crossing the upper age limit of 45 years. 

Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that the rigid application of the age bar would cause injustice and defeat the purpose of compassionate appointment, which is to secure the livelihood of dependents of deceased employees.

The petitioner’s husband, a depot controller, died in service in June 2021, leaving her without children or support.

The Court quashed the rejection order and urged the Managing Director to frame a humane policy for such cases.

[Lakshmavva Goshellanavar v State of Karnataka]