Sadhu Singh vs Punjab Roadways, Ambala City and Another

D.K. Mahajan, J.—This appeal must succeed in view of the decision of the Madras High Court in Jerome D''Silva Vs. The Regional Transport Authority, South Kanara and Another, and P. Channappa Vs. Mysore Revenue Appellate Tribunal and Others, . In both these cases it has been held that the judgment of the Criminal Court is binding so far as statutory Tribunals are concerned. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, constituted under the Motor Vehicles Act, is such a Tribunal and was so held by the learned Chief Justice in Jerome D''Silva Vs. The Regional Transport Authority, South Kanara and Another, . The Tribunal has given a complete go-by to the judgment of the Criminal Court where the driver of the offending vehicle was convicted and sentenced for the death of the petitioner''s son.

In this view of the matter, I allow this appeal, set aside the order of the Claims Tribunal and remit the case to him to determine the amount of compensation payable to the petitioner. The cost will be costs in the cause.