Mr. Rajan Gupta, J.: - This order shall dispose of a bunch of writ petitions* which have been preferred by various petitioners. However, the facts have been referred from CWP No.4303 of 2009.

2. The question of law, which has been referred to this Full Bench for decision is as regards the rules which would be applicable to government employees who seek compassionate appointment whether it would be the rules in operation at the time of death of the employee or the rules applicable on the date when case is considered by the appropriate authority. In view of conflicting views by various Division Benches, the case has been referred to the Full Bench.

3. Some facts necessary for decision of the case are being noticed here:

4. Petitioner’s husband, who had been working as Junior Engineer in Haryana Irrigation Department, expired on 23rd February, 1995. On 5th May, 1995, she moved an application to respondent department for providing employment on compassionate grounds to her only son namely, Manoj Kumar, who at that time was seven years old. A letter was thereafter addressed from the Superintending Engineer, Narnaul requesting that a post be kept reserved for the minor child of