PRESIDENT SECRETARY CHERRY CO OPERATIVE PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD Vs. R INDIRANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) AGGRIEVED by the order of the Commissioner for Workmen's Compensation, Chennai, in W. C. No. 194 of 2000, awarding compensation of Rs. 1,54,403 to the respondent for death of her husband Ranganathan, Cheyyar Cooperative Primary Agricultural and Rural Development Bank Ltd. [in short the co-operative bank] has preferred this appeal.

(2.) THE respondent's husband Ranganathan was working as attender in the appellant-co-operative bank from 28 January, 1998. He was paid wages of Rs. 1,500 per month. On 10 May, 1999, Ranganathan went to duty at 7 A. M. and he is said to have gone to Manamathi and other places for collection and in connection with official work. At about 11. 30 A. M. , he has allegedly developed chest pain and died of heart attack. Stating that Ranganthan was employed as workman with the appellant co-operative bank, the respondent has filed claim petition Claiming compensation of Rs. 1,50,000.

(3.) THE appellant-bank resisted the claim petition contending that the appellant was a bank and the deceased was employed to do clerical work on daily wage basis and he was not a "workman" as defined under the Workmen's Compensation Act. It was further alleged that Ranganthan was under regular treatment for his heart ailment and he died natural death and therefore, appellant-bank is not liable to pay any compensation under the provisions of the Act.