Hon’ble D.P. Singh, J.—Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. This petition is directed against an order dated 4th December, 2002 rejecting the application of the petitioner for compassionate appointment as time-barred under the U.P. Recruitment of Dependent of Government Servants Dying in Harness Rules, 1974 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules).

3. The father of the petitioner was a Sub-Inspector in the civil police when he died in harness on 19.11.1994. As the family was in great financial distress, his mother moved an application dated 28.2.1995 for appointment of the petitioner on any post. The respondent No. 4 vide his letter dated 6.10.1995 informed her that the petitioner was only 16 years old and, therefore, without attaining the age of 18 years, he could not be appointed, but offered appointment to his mother, but in the meantime, his mother also expired. After completing his Bachelor’s degree the petitioner applied on 24/25.8.1999 for compassionate appointment, as his family continued to be in financial distress and was burdened with an unmarried sister. On the basis of his application, the office of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Establishmen