The Madurai Bench modified a motor accident compensation award of Rs.12,33,000 to Rs.9,10,600, reducing allowances for future income and amenities while upholding the loss of income component.
Compensation reduced from Rs.12,33,000 to Rs.9,10,600; appellant directed to deposit balance with interest.
This page shows the compact analysis of this judgement. The full analysis — procedural history, issue-by-issue holdings with ratio and obiter, advocates, and paragraph-level evidence for every claim — is being added to the record in batches and will appear here when this judgement has been through it.
1
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED : 20.11.2017
CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN
C.M.A.(MD)No.1357 of 2015 and M.P.(MD) No.1 of 2015 and CMP(MD)No.7872 of 2017
Branch Manager,
The United India Insurance Company Limited,
First Floor, South Main Road, Thanjavur. ... Appellant/2nd Respondent Vs.
1.Veerasekaran ...1st Respondent/Petitioner 2.Prathebha ...2nd Respondent/1st Respondent
Prayer : This Civil Miscellaneous Appeal is filed under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to set aside the judgment and decree dated 27.04.2015 made in M.C.O.P.No.478 of 2010 on the file of MACT, Special Sub Court, Thanjavur.
For Appellants : Mr.A.S.Mathiyalagan Respondents in : Mr.N.Sudhagar Nagaraj for R1 R2 - unclaimed
JUDGMENT
The insurance company has filed this appeal challenging the impugned award on the ground of quantum. The claimant was the pillion rider. It was involved in an accident with another two wheeler. The claimant suffered head injuries. He was working abroad earlier. As a result of this accident, he could not rejoin his Overseas employment. The Tribunal awarded a sum of Rs.12,33,000/- with interest. Contending that the same is excessive, this appeal has been filed.
2.The claimant admittedly suffered injuries on the head. It is pointed out that a portion of the forehead was removed and thereafter plastic surgery was performed. He was an inpatient for https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/ about 15 days. The appellant has not been able to go back to his Overseas employment. Thus, he has suffered a heavy financial loss.
2
Taking this aspect into account, the Tribunal has awarded a sum of Rs.6,12,000/- towards loss of income. I am of the view that the same does not call for any interference. However, the Tribunal erred in awarding a sum of Rs.1,22,400/- towards loss of future income. The same will have to be deducted from the final award. Similarly, a sum of Rs.2,00,000/- has been given for loss of amenities. The same is also to be deducted. A sum of Rs.25,000/has been awarded towards transport expenses. In other respects, the impugned award is not interfered with. Therefore, the award of compensation is reduced from Rs.12,33,000/- to Rs.9,10,600/-. (Rs.12,33,000 – Rs.3,22,400). The award dated 27.04.2015 made in M.C.O.P.No.478 of 2010 on the file of MACT, Special Sub Court, Thanjavur is modified accordingly.
3.The appellant insurance company is directed to deposit the entire compensation amount with interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum, from the date of petition, till the date of realization and costs, within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, less the amount already deposited, if any. On such deposit being made, the claimant is permitted to withdraw the entire amount, less the amount already withdrawn by him, if any, by filing proper application before the Tribunal.
4.This Civil Miscellaneous Appeal is partly allowed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.
Sd/-
Assistant Registrar(C.O)
/True Copy/
Sub-Assistant Registrar
To
1.The Special Subordinate Judge, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Special Subordinate Court, Thanjavur
Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
+One cc to Mr.N.Sudhakar Nagaraj, Advocate, SR.No.88456 +One cc to Mr.A.S.Mathialagan, Advocate, SR.No.88255
Arul
RL/5C/2P/SV/MMS/SAR1/17/1/2018
C.M.A.(MD)No.1357 of 2015 and
M.P.(MD) No.1 of 2015 and CMP(MD)No.7872 of 2017
2 issues framed by the court
Whether the head injuries and loss of overseas employment justify the quantum of compensation awarded by the Tribunal or if it requires reduction.
Whether the Tribunal erred in awarding specific amounts for loss of future income and loss of amenities.
1 provisions across 1 enactments
The United India Insurance Company Limited
Veerasekaran
Pratheeba
G.R.Swaminathan
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
