1. On 1st September, 1998 at about 21:45 hours, a tragic incident took place at Patratu Thermal Power Station (FTPS), Patratu, Hazaribagh, Bihar, that claimed precious lives of two Central Industrial Security Force personnel.

2. The Central Industrial Security Force is an armed force of the Union consti#31;tuted for better protection and security of Industrial Undertakings owned by the Central Government. The appellant enrolled as Constable in the Force and his three colleagues namely, Constable Kartar Singh, Constable G.Patra and Head Constable S.R. Prasad were in the year, 1998, detailed at FTPS Patratu Cash Guard for round the clock duty for safety and security of FTPS Cash Section located in Administra#31;tive Building of the Power Station. They were accommodated in a room in the said building for housing the Cash Section, so as to enable them to repel any threat to the Cash Section and cash and valuables kept therein.

3. On the date of occurrence, i.e. 01.09.1998, the appellant completed his four hours duty at 4 PM and was relieved by his colleague, Constable Kartar Singh. Constable Kartar Singh completed his duty at 8 PM and was relieved by Constable G.Patra. C