Compensation received in liue pf job

compensation received by the heirs of the deceased employee from his employer is concerned, the CBDT, through circular No, 573 dated August 21, 1990, has clarified that a lump sum payment made gratuitously or by way of compensation or otherwise, to the widow or other legal heirs of an employee, who dies while still in active service, is not taxable as income under the Income-Tax Act, 1961.