1. The appellant, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (the "L. I. C.") is the first defendant in a suit for recovery of money allegedly due under a contract of insurance Gopalakrishnan Unnithan made as per Ext. B3 dated 30-12-1976 a proposal for insurance on his life. The proposal is made in the standard form issued for the purpose by the L I. C. containing the necessary details of the contract. The proposal was accompanied by cheque dated 30-12-1976 for a sum of Rs. 725.80 representing the first premium payable under the contract. Ext. Al dated 30-12-1976 is the receipt issued by the Development Officer of the L. I, C. who is described as the authorised representative. Ext. Al reads:

"While acknowledging your remittance of Rs. 725.80 (Rupees seven hundred and twenty five and paise eighty only) by cheque, I wish to inform you that the official receipt will be issued by Life Insurance Corporation of India, Kayamkulam Branch.

Immediate reference to the above Branch should be made if Corporation's official receipt is not received by you within two weeks.

Cheque No. No. 350084

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Date: 30-12-76

Ext. AT was issued at Kayamkulam. On the next day, that is on 31-12-1976, Unnithan