DISTRICT COLLECTOR Vs. THIRU SIVASAMI ALIAS MANGATHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is by the two opposite parties against whom an award has been passed by the District Forum. The complaint was filed by the husband and three children of one Sarasu. The said Sarasu was employed as Water Carrier in the office of the Geology and Mines, Virudhunagar. The complainants' case is that Sarasu was paying a sum of Rs.10/- as contribution towards Family Benefit Fund Scheme. She died on 30.9.1993. The complainants being her heirs, are entitled to receive Rs.60,000/- payable under the said Scheme. When they applied for the same, the opposite parties declined stating that the deceased Sarasu was not eligible for the said Scheme. This act of the opposite parties amounts to deficiency in service. On these allegations, the complaint was filed.

(2.) The opposite parties contended that the deceased Sarasu was not a permanent employee but only a part-time employee paid from the Contingency Fund and she was not eligible for the Family Benefit Fund Scheme, and as such she could not have the benefit thereunder. It was further contended that the complainants were not consumers.

(3.) The District Forum held that the complainants are consumers. It further held that Sarasu was eligible for the Family Benefit Fund Scheme since she had been paying a sum of Rs.10/- towards the scheme and the complainants would be entitled to the benefits under the scheme.