Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court has mandated Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) to deduct 25% of a woman’s salary—received for compassionate job obtained following her husband’s death—and transfer the funds to her mother-in-law for the latter’s lifetime.The ruling, prompted by a petition from the mother-in-law seeking financial support, also requires AVVNL to distribute the late employee’s terminal benefits equally between the woman and her mother-in-law. The court’s directive stressed the financial entitlements of both women amid family disputes, especially as the woman has since remarried and distanced herself from her in-laws. The verdict was delivered on Sept 17.The high court, in its order, observed that compassionate appointment is meant to provide financial assistance to the family of a deceased employee to help it overcome the crisis caused by the sudden death of the sole breadwinner. “The family does not include only the widow of the deceased, but also includes his parents and other family members as prescribed under the Rules,” the court said.Mamta Rani was given a job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband, Subhash Chand Verma, who worked as a Technical Helper with AVVNL and died on March 24, 2017. The appointment was granted after her in-laws gave their no objection, with the understanding that Mamta would support the deceased employee’s parents.A single bench of Justice Anand Sharma passed the order on a petition filed by Kamli Devi and her husband, who sought financial support and a share in the service benefits of their late son. During the pendency of the petition, Kamli Devi’s husband died, leaving her as the surviving petitioner.The court directed AVVNL to release the terminal benefits of the late employee within 30 days and divide the amount equally between Kamli and Mamta. Kamli’s 50% share is to be credited directly into her bank account.According to petitioners’ counsel Ramit Pareek, Mamta had submitted an undertaking that she would financially support her late husband’s parents after receiving compassionate appointment. She was appointed as a Lower Division Clerk on Aug 30, 2017. It was alleged in court that after securing the job, Mamta left her matrimonial home, stopped supporting her in-laws and later remarried.Mamta opposed the plea, contending that she was not treated properly by her in-laws and was, therefore, compelled to leave their home. Her counsel argued that after the death of Kamli’s husband, she could be supported by her two other sons and that Mamta should not be burdened with sharing her salary or terminal benefits.The court rejected the objection and fixed clear directions for AVVNL. Kamli has been directed to submit her bank account details to the corporation within 15 days. AVVNL must thereafter deduct 25% of Mamta’s regular monthly salary and deposit it in Kamli’s account for as long as she survives.
