Update: 19-03-2025

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has affirmed that a daughter-in-law is an essential member of her husband’s family and is entitled to compassionate appointment upon the death of her spouse. This decision broadens the scope of compassionate appointments, which are traditionally reserved for immediate family members like spouses, sons, and daughters, to include daughters-in-law. The court emphasized that excluding daughters-in-law from compassionate appointments contradicts the equality principles enshrined in Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution. By acknowledging daughters-in-law as eligible, the court hopes to provide financial stability to families affected by the untimely death of a government employee.

This ruling is expected to have an impact on state policies regarding compassionate appointments, leading authorities to update current guidelines to ensure they are inclusive and non-discriminatory. This development highlights the judiciary‘s role in upholding constitutional rights and promoting social justice by extending benefits to all deserving family members. This ruling is consistent with previous decisions where the court acknowledged that a daughter’s eligibility for compassionate appointments should not be affected by her marital status. Sons and daughters, regardless of their marital status, remain integral members of their parents’ families.