THE BRANCH MANAGER STATE BANK OF INDIA v. KULBHUSHAN SINGH

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CIVIL APPEAL NO. OF 2024 (ARISING OUT OF SLP (CIVIL) NO. 12100 OF 2019)

THE BRANCH MANAGER STATE BANK OF INDIA & ORS. APPELLANT(S)

KULBHUSHAN SINGH & ANR. RESPONDENT(S)

Leave granted.

2. Heard Mr. Sanjay Kapur, learned counsel appearing for the

appellants, and Mr. Abhinav Agarwal, learned counsel appearing for

the respondents.

3. The respondent No.1’s father, Keshar Singh Rawat, while

employed with the appellant-Bank, died in harness on 12.10.2004.

The widow applied for compassionate appointment for her son.

However, on 06.05.2005, the Bank rejected the application,

observing that the family was receiving pension and was therefore

not in a perilous financial condition. Following this rejection,

the widow submitted another application for compassionate

appointment.

4. Subsequently, when the S.B.I. introduced the scheme for ex-

gratia lump sum payment in lieu of compassionate appointment on

05.08.2005 (Annexure P-5), the widow applied for the lump sum

compensation. However, the Bank rejected this claim as well,

prompting the widow to approach the High Court, seeking

compassionate appointment for her son.

5. The High Court observed that the meager pension received as

retirement benefits was inadequate for the family’s needs. The

ap...