WP(C) 4490/2011 BEFORE THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE B. K. SHARMA Heard Mr. I. Hussain, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. R.K. Bora, learned State Counsel. By means of this writ petition, the petitioner has prayed for a directio n to the respondents to consider his case for appointment on compassionate groun d. The prayer so made is on account of death of his father more than 21 years ba ck on 28.8.2009. The father of the petitioner was serving as UDA in the Forest D epartment and while in service, as noted above, died on 28.8.1990. More than 21 years have gone by since then. Presently, the petitioner is 43 years of age. Mr. I. Hussain, learned counsel for the petitioner has referred to Annex ure-7 letter dated 2.5.1995 addressed to the Principal Chief Conservator of Fore st, Assam, by the Deputy Secretary, Forest Department, by which no objection was conveyed towards consideration of the case of the petitioner. Even if the said letter is taken on account, more than 16 years have passed. Above apart, compass ionate appointment is provided to redeem a family in distress by way of providin g immediate financial assistance as has been held by the Apex Court in number of cases and otherwise also, after a considerable period is elapsed, the very purp ose of compassionate appointment cannot survive. Further, compassionate appointm ent is also not a source of recruitment. Under no circumstances, there can be an y subsisting right for appointment on compassionate ground after 21 years of exp iry of the father of the petitioner. In view of the above, the writ petition is dismissed.