Thiru Justice M.S. Janarthanam, President—Facts as culled out from the materials placed on record may in brevity be related in order to understand the crux of the issue arising for consideration in this action.

2. One C. Mariyathal, since deceased, was the wife of one A. Chinnasamy residing at No. 129, Venkatesapuram Colony, Perambalur, Trichy District.

3. The Peerless General Finance and Investment Company Limited (1st opposite party) is having its head office at No. 3, Esplanade East, Calcutta - 700 069. The branch office (2nd opposite party) of the 1st opposite party is located at No. 521, Heber Road, Cantonment, Trichy-620 001.

4. One Rajeshwari (3rd opposite party) of Thozhudur village, it is said, is the agent of the 1st and the 2nd opposite parties.

5. New India Assurance Company Ltd., (4th opposite party) is located at Jerome Buildings, Fort Station Road, Trichy.

6. The 1st opposite party floated a scheme going by the name Social Welfare Endowment Scheme — 10 Year Welfare Endowment Certificate. In the said social welfare scheme, C. Mariyathal, since deceased, whilst alive joined by remitting a payment of Rs. 1,000/- on 4.3.1994. As per the scheme, she has to remit a sum of