Chennai: The Madras high court has upheld an order of single judge directing the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the wife of a cop who died during service 10 years ago.
Dismissing an appeal from an appeal from the state home secretary and the DGP and another challenging the order dated April 25, 2014 of the single judge, the division bench of Justices K. K. Sasidharan and R. Subramanian said the police department is now adopting a too technical approach by giving a restrictive meaning to the inclusive definition accidental death or permanently incapacitated or partially disabled'. However, such inclusive definition would not take away the right given to the nominee to claim compensation on account of natural death while on duty.
The matter relates to S. Nithiyanandam, while working as sub-inspector in the Tamil Nadu Commando Force, Marudham, was directed to report to the SP in Jolarpettai in connection with an anti-dacoity operation. While traveling in a train on May 29, 2008, he suffered chest pain. He was rushed to hospital in Jolarpettai, where he was declared brought dead.
His wife sought for a compensation of Rs 10 lakh under the Police Insurance Scheme. A single judge of the court awarded Rs 10 lakh on April 25, 2014. Challenging the award the authorities filed the present appeal.
Dismissing the appeal the bench comprising Justices K. K. Sasidharan and R. Subramanian said that the rules for police officers and personnel were framed with a larger purpose of taking into account the nature of job performed by the police force. The personnel are working without fixed working hours.
The nature of duty performed by them contributed for their health issues. In case the compensation is limited to accidental death, the very purpose of the scheme would be defeated.
C-03
