Santosh and Others v. Joginder and Anr.
Case brief
What is this about?
FAO-4017-2001 (O&M), High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh, neutral citation 2026:PHHC:048095, decided 27.03.2026 by Deepak Gupta, J.; speaking/reasoned: Yes; reportable: No. Appeal by claimants — Smt. Santosh (widow) and three minor children of deceased Samundar Singh — versus Joginder Singh (driver-cum-owner, Tata 407 HR-55-2450) and Insurance Company, challenging MACT Rohtak award dated 15.06.2001 (negligence 75:25; Rs. 57,600/- awarded). Accident: intervening night of 28/29.08.2000, Tata 407 hit parked truck HR-58-0803 on NH-10. Held: contributory negligence re-apportioned 50:50 (parked truck without blinker/parking lights); notional income Rs. 2,000/- p.m. / Rs. 24,000/- p.a.; +40% future prospects per Pranay Sethi (2017 AIR SC 5157 — applied); 1/4th deduction, four dependents per Sarla Verma (2009 (6) SCC 121 — applied); Magma General Insurance (AIRONLINE 2018 SC 1249 — referred by counsel); multiplier 15 (age 40); consortium Rs. 80,000/-, funeral Rs. 10,000/-, estate Rs. 10,000/-; total Rs. 4,78,000/-; 50% share Rs. 2,39,000/-; enhanced compensation Rs. 1,81,400/- with interest @ 7.5% p.a. from date of filing of claim petition till realization, joint and several, equally divided among four appellants; Tribunal award modified. Statute cited: Section 166, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.