Introduction
The term family often appear in a daily life, but in a law its interpretation can become matter of dispute with far reaching consequences. Recently the Allahabad High court had the opportunity to clarify the concept. The High Court of Allahabad asserted that a ‘Jethani’ (Husband’s elder brothers’ wife) cannot be considered part of the same family unless she resided in the same house and shares a common kitchen with other members of family. The ruling led to the immediate reinstatement of an Anganbari worker, Kumari Sonam whose appointment was terminated on the grounds of her sister-in-law’s employment in a similar role on Sep 02, 2025.
Background
Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in implementing, India’s integrated child development service. They restrict more than one appointment from the same family to ensure equitable distribution of employment. In this case, Kumari Sonam was appointed as an Anganbari worker in the Bareilly District Uttar Pradesh. Her appointment was cancelled by the District Programme Officer on 13th of June 2025. The termination of Kumari Sonam was based on the Government order that prohibits two members of the same family for the same position as at Anganbari as Anganbari worker in the same block.
The authorities contented that Sonam’s sister-in-law (Jethani) is already working as an Anganwadi assistant, so the appointment of kumari Sonam is invalid. Kumari Sonam challenged the decision of Allahabad High Court, arguing that she and her sister-in-law (jethani) bother lives in different households, maintained a separate kitchen, and therefore, should not be considered a same family unit.
Key Points
Allahabad High court justice Ajit Kumar, in his ruling provided an interpretation of the term ‘Family’ in the context of service rules. The key takes away from the judgments are:
- Definition of family: the court ruled that a sister-in-law (Jethani) can only consider a family member when both brother and wives are living together and sharing common kitchen and house.
- Separate household: Court emphasized that if the two individuals maintain separate residence for living and do not share a common kitchen, they are not considered as a single-family unit under the relevant government order.
- The ruling of Allahabad high court narrows the definition of ‘Family’ to the immediate household. Focusing on sharing and living as the primary criteria.
- Court rejected the broad and encompassing definition of ‘Family’ that includes all the relatives regardless of their living arrangements.
Recent Development
High court of Allahabad quashed the order of Kumari Sonam’s termination. the court has directed the authorities to reappoint her as an Anganwbari worker and ensure that she receives her monthly salary. This judgment is expected to serve a significant precedent for future cases involving the term ‘family’ in rules of service and employment across Uttar Pradesh.
Legal experts also suggest that this ruling by the High court will help in future cases and will prevent overly broad interpretation of such rules that could lead unfair disqualifications.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court decision in the case of Sonam kumari is a landmark ruling and goes beyond a narrow employment dispute and brings much needed clarity to the definition of ‘Family’ within the employment rules and regulations. By emphasizing the importance of shared living arrangement, the court not only provided justice to the Anganbari worker but also set a crucial legal precedent which will help in future cases. This interpretation ensures that the rules meant to distribute opportunities’ fairly. This will guid the future administrative decisions and ensure a more equitable application of rules designed to prevent nepotism without unfairly penalizing individuals based on their family.
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WRITTEN BY Manisha Kunwar
