1. 1. Late Smt. Sushila wife of the petitioner, was employed in the Life Insurance Corporation of India (for short the LIC) on January 6, 1958. She was due to retire on August 31, 1998. During the period of her employment Smt. Sushila had become the member of LIC Employees' Group Terms Insurance Scheme 1997 (for short 1997 Scheme'). Senior Divisional Manager of Division office Ajmer (respondent No.2) vide letter dated December 11, 1997 intimated .Smt. Sushila that she will be entitled to the following benefits on her retirement

(i) Contributory Provident Fund, as per Rules.

(ii) Gratuity, as per Rules and due and admissible.

(iii) Payment under Group Insurance Scheme.

(iv) Payment against unavailed privilege leave etc.
Smt. Sushila unfortunately met with an accident and sustained serious fracture over her leg. She therefore sought voluntary retirement with immediate effect and was allowed to retire voluntary w.e.f. April 24, 1998. Smt. Sushila thereafter died on May 7, 1998. The petitioner vide representation dated June 24, 1998 requested respondent No.2 to make payment in lieu of claim under Group Term Insurance of his late wife Smt. Sushila. But respondent No.2 vide letter d