THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE CHALLA KODANDA RAM
CIVIL MISCELLANEOUS APPEAL No.942 of 2004
JUDGMENT:
This appeal is filed against the order dated 31.12.2003 passed by the Commissioner, Workmen's Compensation, in W.C.No.138 of 2001 NF.
Heard learned counsel for the appellant. None appeared for the respondent insurance company.
The only question which has been pressed for consideration is with regard to the date of payment of interest.
Whatever may be the position prior to the judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court in Oriental Insurance Company v. Siby George1, finality was given in Siby George (1 supra) with respect to the issue that compensation amount falls due and payable as on the date of accident. This was in line with the judgment of Supreme Court in Pratap Narain Singh Deo v. Srinivas Sabata2.
My learned brother Justice A. Rajasheker Reddy had elaborately considered all the judgments cited by both the appellants as well as respondents in C.M.A.No.871 of 2015, including the liability of insurance company in cases where the appeal against the owner stood dismissed and the owner having not been made a party respondent. My learned brother by referring to the judgment of Division Bench of this Court in Meka Chakra Rao v. Yelubandi Babu Rao @ Reddemma3, had held that the appellant/claimant is entitled to interest at 12% per annum from the date of accident till the date of realisation. The judgment of Division Bench being binding on this Court, and this Court finds no reason to 1 (2012) 12 SCC 540 2 (1976) 1 SCC 289 3 2001 (1) ALD 453 differ with the rationale in Meka Chakra. Though the compensation amount is due on the date of accident, the liability to pay interest arises only after one month from the date of accident. This is on account of Section 4A(3) of the Workmens Compensation Act, 1923.
Accordingly, the civil miscellaneous appeal stands disposed of. It is made clear that wherever the compensation amount has been deposited in pursuance of the orders of Commissioner, the payment of interest shall be calculated from one month after the date of accident till the date of deposit. No costs. Miscellaneous applications, if any pending, shall also stand closed. No costs.
_____________________ CHALLA KODANDA RAM, J 24th February, 2021 ksm THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE CHALLA KODANDA RAM CIVIL MISCELLANEOUS APPEAL No.942 of 2004 24th February, 2021 ksm