- (1.)HEARD learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the State -respondents.
Petitioner, before this Court seeks a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to offer compassionate appointment to the petitioner on the allegation that her husband has expired on 9th June, 1998 while in harness.

(2.)FROM the records of the present writ petition I find that the application for compassionate appointment was made by the petitioner in the year 1999 and thereafter nothing has been done.
(3.)THIS writ petition after 16 years of the date of death of the husband of the petitioner for compassionate appointment appears to be misconceived.
It is settled law that compassionate appointment is not a source of employment. It is provided only to mitigate against the immediate uncalled for hardship faced by the family members/dependents due to sudden death of the bread earner.