Smt. Manti Netam v. Chandakaramu Naidu
Motor Accident Compensation – Enhancement of Award – Contributory Negligence
Case brief
What is this about?
Chhattisgarh High Court (Single Bench, Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal), MAC No. 88 of 2019, decided 06.04.2026: enhancement appeal under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 against MACT Kondagaon award dated 10.10.2018 in Claim Case No.54/2018. Appeal allowed; compensation enhanced from Rs. 4,98,400 to Rs. 16,77,872 (additional Rs. 11,79,472 with 9% interest from date of filing of claim application till realization; deposit within 45 days). Insurer's contributory negligence plea rejected for want of evidence; eye-witness Sulo (AW-2) deposed the stationary offending vehicle had no reflectors. Deceased's income reassessed at Rs. 7,930 per month per Chhattisgarh Minimum Wages Notification; 40% future prospects, 1/3 personal-expense deduction, multiplier 17; consortium Rs. 1,32,000 (44,000 x 3). No precedents cited in the judgment.
What did the court decide?
Appeal allowed and impugned award modified: compensation enhanced from Rs. 4,98,400/- to Rs. 16,77,872/-; additional Rs. 11,79,472/- payable with interest @ 9% per annum from the date of filing of the claim application till realization, to be deposited within 45 days; rest of the conditions of the impugned award to remain intact.