This Writ Petition has been, preferred by a widow of an accused claiming compensation from the Government of Tamil Nadu for the death of her husband in police custody on 111. 1998.

2. Factual matrix necessary for disposal of this Writ Petition are as under :- Petitioners version : —

A) The petitioner was married to the deceased Balu and in the said wedlock, the petitioner had two children. The deceased was working as a construction worker.

B) While so, on (11. 1998, about 8 to 10 policemen in mufti came to the residence of petitioners mother-in-law and under the pretext of washing their hands after taking snacks, they conducted search in her residence and on enquiry, they informed that they were policemen from Chennai and they have come in search of Balu as he was involved in a case of theft. Since the petitioner told them that her husband was missing for the last three months, the police left the place. On the very same evening her husband came home and he was informed about the search made by the police team and thereafter, he gave some piece of gold ornaments to the petitioner to tide over the temporary difficulties in case he was caught by the police.

C) On 11. 1998,