Sivasubramaniam, J. - (1.) This appeal is directed against the order of the Deputy Commissioner for Workmen's Compensation, Trichy in W.C. No. 198 of 1997. The opposite party, namely, the Managing Director of the Steel Authority of India, Salem is the appellant before this court.
(2.) The parents of deceased Vijayakumar contended that Vijayakumar was appointed as a Senior Operator-Trainee on 1.11.1993 in the concern of the opposite party and subsequently he was promoted as Chief Chemist. The deceased was a very hale and healthy person while he was discharging his duties in the respondent's concern. He went to duty as usual on 2.8.1995 night shift. He died on 3.8.1995 at the age of 25 years while he was working in the laboratory in the Steel Plant during the course of his employment. Police has registered a case and the investigation is pending. The complaint given by the appellant/employer was that it was an attempt to commit suicide. The claimants stated that there was no necessity for the deceased to commit suicide. The deceased was covered under the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act and claimants were entitled to claim the compensation. The deceased was drawing salary of Rs. 3,401 per month.
(3.) In counter filed by the appellant, the various claims made in the petition were denied. According to the appellant, the deceased committed suicide and the death of the deceased was not a natural death. Even after he was admitted in the hospital, the deceased was shouting to others that he should be allowed to die. In spite of having been given all medical treatment in the hospital, he died. He appears to have consumed Mercuric Chloride. Post-mortem report also shows that he died due to chemical poisoning. The Sub-Inspector has also made it clear that the deceased had committed suicide.;