BIMLA PODDAR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Shri Narain Prasad Poddar (hereinafter (referred as) deceased) was working as Assistant Commercial Manager in Giovanola Binny Ltd. (hereinafter company) carrying on its business at Cochin. He was required to visit various places and meet parties in connection with the business dealings of the company. The company in the year 1971, entered into a contract with defendant 1 for carrying out various works at the Baira Siul Hydro-Electric Project (hereinafter the project) for a total sum of Rs. 98,34,430/-. In connection with these works the deceased was to represent the company and have discussions and consultations with the project authorities.

(2.) Plaintiff 1 is the wife, plaintiffs 2 to 4 are minor daughters, plaintiff 5 is father and plaintiff 6 is the mother of the deceased.

(3.) The plaintiffs allege that the deceased arrived at Surangani on or about 4-1-1974 where the office of defendant 1 is located. Defendant 1 for carrying out the project owns and maintains a field Guest House (hereinafter the guest house) at Surangani to provide lodging and boarding facilities to the various visitors who visit the project in connection with the works. The deceased after his arrival at Surangani on 4-1-1974 was allotted room No. 6 with an attached bathroom in the guest house. The bath-room was fitted with an electric geyser for supply of hot water and a separate tap for supply of cold water.