1. The prayer in the writ petition is to quash the order passed by the second respondent dated 17.4.2009 and direct the second respondent to consider the petitioner for compassionate appointment on the demise of her husband Bakthanathan, on merits and in accordance with law.

2. The brief facts necessary for disposal of the writ petition are as follows:

(a)Petitioner's husband was employed as Lineman in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board under the control of the second respondent and he died in harness and intestate on 1.12.2003, leaving behind the petitioner herein (wife of the deceased) and two minor daughters. According to the petitioner, her deceased husband was the only breadwinner of the family.

(b)The petitioner submitted several representations to the second respondent seeking compassionate appointment within one year from the date of death of her husband. On 4.9.2006, the second respondent rejected the request of the petitioner on the ground that as per the legal heirship certificate issued by the Tahsildar dated 28.1.2004, petitioner is the second wife of the deceased employee and therefore, she is not entitled for the compassionate appointment.

(c)According to the pe