Karnataka High Court sets 90-day deadline to decide all compassionate job applications

The Karnataka High Court directed the State to decide all compassionate appointment applications within 90 days from receipt. The case involved a widow whose timely application for her son was denied due to administrative delay.

The Court held that compassionate appointments are welfare measures requiring procedural fairness and transparency. Authorities must acknowledge applications within 30 days, assist widows and illiterate applicants and also issue reasoned orders for rejections.

The Court ordered the State to create a Standard Operating Procedure and train staff. The petitioner’s son must be appointed within 8 weeks.

[State of Karnataka & Anr. v Mahaboob Patel]