EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MARAKKANAM TOWN PANCHAYAT Vs. MURUVAMMAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Writ Petition filed by the first respondent claiming the benefits of the Government Order in G.O.Ms.No.326, Finance (Pension) Department dated 23 June 1997 on account of the death of her husband during the course of his employment was allowed by the learned single Judge with a direction to the appellant to pay the amounts payable under the Group Insurance Scheme. The order is under challenge at the instance of the local body primarily on the ground that the liability is only on the Government and not on the Village Panchayat, in view of the conditions incorporated in G.O.(Ms).No.326, Finance (Pension) Department dated 23 June 1997.

(2.) We have heard the learned Senior Counsel for the appellant. We have also heard the learned counsel for the first respondent and the learned Special Government Pleader on behalf of the second respondent.

(3.) The Government earlier introduced a Group Insurance Scheme for the aided schools, aided colleges, aided technical educational institutions and employees working under the Nutritious Meal Programme. The scheme was not made applicable to the employees of the Village Panchayat. The Government issued an Government Order in G.O.(Ms) No.326 dated 23 June 1997 bringing the employees of the Village Panchayats into the Group Insurance Scheme.