The Orissa High Court is examining whether an adopted son can claim compassionate appointment for a deceased railway employee. The court referenced ancient Hindu laws, which emphasize adoption for sonless individuals to ensure salvation, suggesting adoption is a matter of personal law. This comes as the railways challenge a tribunal order to consider the adopted son's claim, citing a policy requiring adoption to be finalized before the employee's death, a point the High Court found debatable given the registration of the adoption deed after the employee's passing.