1. The prayer in the writ petition is to issue a writ of declaration that the action of the respondent bank in depriving the first petitioner's pension due to Late Ponnan, who died in harness on 9.4.1998 and direct the respondents 1 and 2 to sanction pension to the petitioner on and from 10.4.1998 together with interest at 12% per annum and ex-gratia compensation in lieu of compassionate appointment that is being extended by the bank to the staff, if the bank is not willing to provide compassionate appointment either to the petitioner or to her children.

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

(a) According to the first petitioner, she is the widow of Late Ponnan, who died on 9.4.1998. First Petitioner claims that the said Ponnan married her on 14.9.1990 as per Hindu Rites and Customs.

(b) The said Ponnan was employed in the State Bank of India from 2.1.1978 and died on 9.4.1998 while in service as Assistant (Accounts) at Karur Branch.

(c) It is the contention of the first petitioner that prior to her marriage, first petitioner's husband viz., Late Ponnan married one Pitchiamma on 13.6.1979 and on 6.3.1980, Pitchiamma expressed