JUDGMENT :

T. Raja, J.

1. Heard learned counsel for the parties through video conferencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Mr. I. Jayaraj has filed this civil miscellaneous appeal against the judgment and decree dated 18.6.2013 passed in S.O.P. No. 1 of 2008 by the learned Subordinate Judge, Harur, Dharmapuri District.

3. Mr. K. Premkumar, learned counsel appearing for the appellant argued that the appellant married Soundari on 18.5.89 at the C.S.I. Church, Samiyapuram. They were blessed with two daughters and one son out of the wedlock. She was also appointed as a Teacher in the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Harur. After entering service, she has nominated the appellant/husband as the only sole nominee to receive the family and other benefits in the event of her death. The service register book of the deceased Soundari also stands testimony to the said fact. While so, the appellant along with his wife late Soundari, their two daughters, namely, Anitha, Kamali and their son Kishore accompanied with mother in law and sister in law went to Velankanni on 26.12.2004. Learned counsel appearing for the appellant further submitted that unfortunately, the appellant's wife, their t