SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER Vs. S THANGAMANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Civil Miscellaneous Appeal has been filed against the award dated 30.08.2017 passed in E.C.No.7 of 2014 on the file of Workman Compensation Tribunal, Madurai.

(2.) It is the case of the respondent/claimant that her husband Late A.Radhakrishnan was working as Line Inspector in the appellant circle at Rajapalayam during 2013. On 15.10.2003, the appellant circle Avarampatty section collected the amount of Rs.3,64,797/- from the consumers and kept the same in the office under safe custody since the section officials could not remit the same to the bank. The Electricity Board authorities passed orders on 06.12.1999 and again on 28.02.1981, directing the section officials to safeguard the cash by posting a night watchman or some other staff in the event of heavy cash collections kept at the office during night. The regular section official for Avarampatty section had gone on leave and therefore, Avarampatty section was placed under the control of another section head.

(3.) It is the further case of the respondent/claimant that on 15.10.2003 at midnight, some unknown persons intruded into the office to commit theft and to take away the cash. While the said Radhakrishnan resisted their attempt, they murdered him and took away the cash. On complaint, the Police have registered First Information Report, stating that Radhakrishnan, Board employee was murdered and cash were stolen. The respondent/claimant would further submit that the appellant had granted family pension and other terminal benefits on the death of her husband and also provided compassionate appointment to her son R.A.Alagushunmughapandian as Helper at Madurai.