Amutha N v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 11.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P.(MD) No.21668 of 2025 N.Amutha : Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Trichy District, Trichy.

2. The Block Development Officer, Thiruverumbur, Trichy - 620 013.

3. The Panchayat President, Gundur Panchayat, Thiruverumbur Panchayat Union, Trichy.

4. The Divisional Manager (P&G.S.), Life Insurance Corporation of India, Division - 1, LIC Building, III Floor, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

: Respondents P RAYER:

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in Na.Ka. En.B3/1491/2024 dated 26.09.2024 and quash the same and 1/6

consequently directing the respondents to pay the Group Insurance Claim Benefits to the petitioner.

For Petitioner : Mr.C.Vakeeswaran For Respondents : Mr.S.R.A.Ramachandhran (R1) Additional Government Pleader Mr.N.Sureshkumar (R2 & R3) Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The instant writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in Na.Ka.En.B3/1491/2024 dated 26.09.2024 with a consequential direction to the respondents to pay the group insurance claim benefits to the petitioner.

2. By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

3. The petitioner's husband, who was working as Overhead Tank Operator in the Respondent Panchayat, died in harness on 23.11.2023 leaving behind his wife, children as his legal heirs. During his service, 2/6

he was contributing particular amount periodically to the group insurance scheme, which is administered by the fourth respondent. After death of the petitioner's husband, the petitioner claimed for disbursement of his death benefits before the respondents. However, the fourth respondent rejected the same stating that the benefits would be paid upto the age of 60 and the petitioner's husband was aged about 63 years at the time of his death and hence, the petitioner is entitled for the said claim.

4. It is the case of the petitioner that the date of birth of the petitioner's husband was wrongly mentioned in aadhar card and accordingly, in his death certificate also, the same date reflects. However, his correct date of birth is 03.08.1968 and the same has been reflected in his service register too and hence, the petitioner is fully entitled for the death benefits. In this regard, the petitioner made a representation to the respondents. However, the same has not been considered till date. Hence the petitioner came before this Court.

5. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents would fairly concede that the order of second respondent is 3/6

wrong and mere age of 63 is not a bar for entitlement of death benefits under the group insurance and hence, he prays that this Court may set aside the impugned order and the second respondent will approve the petitioner's claim and forward the same to the fourth respondent as per the entries made in the service register of the petitioner's deceased husband.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of this case and also the submissions made by the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, the impugned order dated 26.09.2024 passed by the second respondent is set aside and there shall be a direction to the second respondent to make a eligible recommendation to the fourth respondent for death benefits of the petitioner's deceased husband as per the entries made in his service register and the fourth respondent is directed to sanction the death benefits of the petitioner's deceased husband in favour of the eligible persons as per the applicable Act and Rules. The said exercise shall be completed by the second and fourth respondents within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

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7. With the above directions, this writ petition is allowed. There shall be no order as to costs.

11.08.2025 Index : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No Sm To:-

1. The District Collector, Trichy District, Trichy.

2. The Block Development Officer, Thiruverumbur, Trichy - 620 013.

3. The Panchayat President, Gundur Panchayat, Thiruverumbur Panchayat Union, Trichy.

4. The Divisional Manager (P&G.S.), Life Insurance Corporation of India, Division - 1, LIC Building, III Floor, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

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M.DHANDAPANI, J.

Sm W.P.(MD) No.21668 of 2025 11.08.2025 6/6