Tragic Loss in a Riot: Should Employers Compensate Families for Off-Duty Deaths?

An employee was murdered in a communal riot when he was on his way to the workplace. His wife and children were depending on the wages earned by the employee. The employer refused compensation on the grounds that he did not die in the workplace. Are the wife and children entitled to compensation? Is he liable for compensation?

Please check with the workmen's compensation authority of your area, the notional extension of working hours could be applied here in this case or not?

Dear PDS,

Please confirm the following:

Was the deceased covered under PF, ESIC, or WC Policy? If yes, then his family will receive benefits under PF (DLIS).

If covered under ESI or EC Policy, then he should be entitled to compensation, as he was on the way to the workplace to attend duty. The incident time should match the timing for commuting from residence to the factory/office.

Regards,
Suresh