Antu vs Naseema

T.R.Ravi, J.

The claimants have filed this appeal seeking enhanced compensation. The claimants are the dependents of one Christo, who died in an accident which took place on 04.11.2007. The deceased was 21 years and the claim was put forward under Section 163A of the Motor Vehicles Act. The Tribunal awarded a sum of Rs.2,99,900/- as compensation. Aggrieved by the award, the claimants have filed this appeal.

Heard Sri A.R.Nimod, learned counsel for the appellants and Smt.K.S.Santhi, learned counsel for the 3rd respondent Insurer.

The short ground which has been raised by the counsel for the appellants is that the Tribunal went wrong in applying the principles for award of compensation under Section 163A. The contention raised by the appellants are justified. The Tribunal has adopted the multiplier method after fixing a notional income of Rs.3,300/- and the multiplier has been fixed at '11'. Going by the Second Schedule of the Motor Vehicles Act, the amount to be taken for fixing the compensation for loss of dependency in the case of a 21 year old will be Rs.7,20,000/-. After deducting one-third towards personal expenses, the sum payable towards loss of dependency will be Rs.4,80,000/-. Apart from the amount payable under the head loss of dependency, the appellant will be entitled to a sum of Rs.2,500/- towards loss of estate and Rs.2,000/- towards transportation expenses totalling to Rs.4,84,500/-. After deducting the amount of Rs.2,99,900/- which has already been granted by the Tribunal, the appellant will be entitled to a sum of Rs.1,84,600/- as additional compensation.

The appeal is hence allowed awarding an additional compensation of Rs.1,84,600/- (Rupees One Lakh Eighty Four Thousand and Six Hundred only) with interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of filing the petition till the date of realisation, with proportionate costs. The appeal was filed with a delay of 454 days and the delay was condoned by order dated 26.08.2019 on condition that the appellants will not be entitled to interest for the period of delay. The interest payable on the enhanced compensation shall be hence excluding the period of 454 days. The 3rd respondent insurer shall deposit the additional compensation granted in this appeal along with the interest and proportionate costs, before the Tribunal within two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment, after deducting any amount to which the appellant is liable towards balance court fee and legal benefit fund. The disbursement of the compensation to the appellant shall be in accordance with law.