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Mr Vijay Praveen Cutinha vs Prashanth
2023 Latest Caselaw 10472 Kant

Citation : 2023 Latest Caselaw 10472 Kant
Judgement Date : 14 December, 2023

Karnataka High Court

Mr Vijay Praveen Cutinha vs Prashanth on 14 December, 2023

                                               -1-
                                                           NC: 2023:KHC:45559
                                                         MFA No. 188 of 2017
                                                     C/W MFA No. 637 of 2018



                     IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU

                        DATED THIS THE 14 TH
                                               DAY OF DECEMBER, 2023
                                                                                R
                                          BEFORE

                             THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE C M JOSHI

                   MISCELLANEOUS FIRST APPEAL NO. 188 OF 2017 (MV-I)
                                               C/W
                   MISCELLANEOUS FIRST APPEAL NO. 637 OF 2018 (MV-I)

                   IN M.F.A. NO. 188 OF 2017

                   BETWEEN:

                   THE BRANCH MANAGER,
                   NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.,
                   MOTOR ROYAL INSURANCE BUILDING,
                   2ND FLOOR, 14-5, TATA ROAD, MUMBAI.
                   NOW REP. BY REGIONAL MANAGER,
                   NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.,
                   REGIONAL OFFICE, SUBHARAM COMPLEX,
                   NO.144, M.G.ROAD,
                   BENGALURU-560 001.
Digitally signed                                                 ...APPELLANT
by T S             (BY SRI A.N.KRISHNA SWAMY, ADVOCATE)
NAGARATHNA
Location: High
Court of           AND:
Karnataka

                   1.   VIJAY PRAVEEN CUTINHA,
                        S/O. RAYMOND CUTINHA,
                        AGED ABOUT 25 YEARS,
                        R/O. PADIGUDDE, AMBLAMOGARU POST,
                        MANGALURU POST-575 001.

                   2.   PRASHANTH
                        S/O. ANNU MADIVALA,
                        AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS,
                        R/O. IRKI HOUSE,
                              -2-
                                         NC: 2023:KHC:45559
                                       MFA No. 188 of 2017
                                   C/W MFA No. 637 of 2018




     RAMA KUNJA VILLAGE,
     PUTTUR TALUK-574 201.
                                            ...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI GURUPRASAD B.R. FOR R1;
    R-2 SERVED)

     THIS MFA IS FILED U/S 173(1) OF MV ACT AGAINST THE
JUDGMENT AND AWARD DATED 22.06.2016 PASSED IN MVC
NO.1723/2012 ON THE FILE OF THE III ADDITIONAL SENIOR
CIVIL JUDGE, & JMFC, MANGALURU, D.K., AWARDING
COMPENSATION OF Rs.7,12,095/- WITH INTEREST @ 9% P.A.
FROM   THE   DATE    OF   PETITION   TILL  REALIZATION.

IN M.F.A.NO.637 OF 2018

BETWEEN:

MR. VIJAY PRAVEEN CUTINHA,
S/O. RAYMOND CUTINHA,
AGED ABOUT 26 YEARS,
R/O. PADIGUDDE,
AMBLAMOGARU POST,
MANGALURU-575 001.
                                               ...APPELLANT
(BY SRI GURUPRASAD B R, ADVOCATE)

AND:

1.   PRASHANTH,
     S/O ANNU MADIVALA,
     AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS,
     R/O. IRKI HOUSE,
     RAMA KUNJA VILLAGE,
     PUTTUR TALUK-574 241.

2.   NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD.,
     MOTOR ROYAL INSURANCE BUILDING,
     2ND FLOOR, 14-5, TATA ROAD,
                                   -3-
                                                   NC: 2023:KHC:45559
                                              MFA No. 188 of 2017
                                          C/W MFA No. 637 of 2018




    MUMBAI-400 020.
    REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGER.
                                       ...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI A.N KRISHNA SWAMY, ADVOCATE FOR R-2;
    R-1 SERVED)

     THIS MFA IS FILED U/S 173(1) OF MV ACT AGAINST THE
JUDGMENT AND AWARD DATED 22/06/2016, PASSED IN
MVC.NO.1723/2012, ON THE FILE OF THE III ADDITIONAL
SENIOR CIVIL JUDGE & JMFC., MANGALURU, D.K. PARTLY
ALLOWING THE CLAIM PETITION FOR COMPENSATION AND
SEEKING ENHANCEMENT OF COMPENSATION.

     THESE APPEALS HAVING BEEN HEARD AND RESERVED
FOR JUDGMENT AND COMING ON FOR PRONOUNCEMENT OF
JUDGMENT THIS DAY THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING AT
KALABURAGI, THE COURT DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:


                               JUDGMENT

Being aggrieved by the judgment and the award

passed by the learned III Addl. Senior Civil Judge and

JMFC Mangaluru, D.K. in MVC.No.1723/2012 dated

22.06.2016, the respondent No.2-National Insurance

Company Limited as well as the petitioner have

approached this Court in appeal.

2. The brief facts are as below:

That on 05.07.2012 at about 3.00 p.m., when the

petitioner was proceeding to the work site as per the

direction of the employer, from Falneer towards Adyaru in

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Tata Magic Tempo bearing No.KA-21-N-2148, the said

tempo was driven by its driver in rash and negligent

manner and at Adyarukatte on NH-75 dashed to the hind

side of the bus bearing No.KA-19-D-4505. Due to the said

impact, the petitioner sustained grievous injuries and

immediately shifted to Father Muller Hospital. The

Petitioner was admitted as inpatient in the hospital from

05.07.2012 to 01.08.2012. The petitioner was discharged

from the hospital with an advice to take bed rest and

follow up treatment. The petitioner had spent a sum of

Rs.1,00,000/- for medical expenses and further requires

Rs.50,000/- for future medical expenses. The petitioner

was hale and healthy at the time of accident and aged

about 20 years. The petitioner was working as an

electrician under the respondent No.1 and earning a salary

of Rs.12,000/- p.m. The entire family depended on his

earning and due to fracture, now it is difficult to lift heavy

objects, to walk, bend, squat and stand for long time. The

accident occurred only due to the rash and negligent

driving of the tempo driver. The driver was in the course

NC: 2023:KHC:45559

of employment under respondent No.1 and also his agent.

The respondent No.2 being the insurer is liable to pay the

compensation.

3. After service of notice, respondent No.1 did not

appear before Tribunal and therefore, he was placed ex-

parte. However, respondent No.2-Insurance Company has

appeared through its counsel and filed written statement.

4. Respondent No.2-Insurance Company denied

that the accident occurred due to the negligence on the

part of the driver of the vehicle owned by respondent

No.1. It also denied the age, occupation and income of

the petitioner and that the compensation claimed as highly

exorbitant, imaginary and untenable in law. It was

contended that the driver of the said vehicle bearing

No.KA-21-N-2148 was not having valid driving license at

the time of accident and there was violation of the

conditions of the policy and as such, the liability deserves

to be absolved. It is contended that the bus bearing

No.KA-19-D-4505 was guilty of violations of law and

NC: 2023:KHC:45559

therefore, the owner and insurer are also necessary

parties to the petition. It was contended that the liability

to pay compensation to the petitioner is not covered under

the policy and the respondent No.1 has not paid any

premium towards the coverage of the inmates of the

vehicle. It was contended that the policy does not cover

the wider liability and there was no contractual

relationship between the respondent No.1 and respondent

No.2-Insurance Company, with regard to the indemnifying

injuries suffered by inmates of the vehicle. Therefore,

respondent No.2-Insurance Company sought for dismissal

of the petition as against it.

5. On the basis of the above pleadings, the

Tribunal framed appropriate issues and after considering

the oral evidence of PWs.1 and 2 and documentary

evidence of Exs.P1 to P9 and Ex.R1, held that the accident

had occurred due to the negligence of the driver of the

vehicle, in which, the petitioner was traveling and also

held that the policy issued by respondent No.2-Insurance

NC: 2023:KHC:45559

Company covers the risk of the inmates of the vehicle and

therefore, fastened the liability on the respondent No.2-

Insurance Company. The Tribunal awarded compensation

under different heads as below:

      Sl.                                      Amount
                    Particulars
      No.                                      (in Rs.)
       1. Pain and sufferings                    50,000/-
       2. Attendant, food and extra
                                                  8,100/-
          nourishment
       3. Medical expenses, loss of
                                               6,41,995/-
          amenities of life
       4. Loss of income                         12,000/-
                       Total                  7,12,095/-


6. Being aggrieved by the said judgment and

award, the Insurance Company has approached this Court

in MFA No.188/2017 and the petitioner has approached

this Court in MFA No.637/2018.

7. On issuance of notice, the Insurance Company

and the petitioner have appeared before this Court, but

the owner of the vehicle did not appear in both the

appeals.

NC: 2023:KHC:45559

8. The learned counsel appearing for appellant-

Insurance Company in MFA No.188/2017 submits that

under the 'package policy', the employee is not covered. It

is submitted that Section 147 of M.V.Act, as it stood prior

to 01.04.2022, did not cover the risk of the employees,

particularly, the inmates of the vehicle. It is contended

that the inmates of the vehicle cannot be termed as 'third

parties', and therefore, unless an additional premium was

paid by the insured, the risk of the inmates of the vehicle

is not covered. It is contended that the policy was a

'package policy', but however, the additional premium was

not paid to cover the risk of the inmates of the vehicle.

Therefore, he contends that the Tribunal erred in holding

that the liability has to be fastened upon the Insurance

Company.

9. Per contra, learned counsel appearing for the

petitioner contended that the Tribunal has not assessed

the compensation under the different heads in a proper

manner. He contended that the compensation awarded is

NC: 2023:KHC:45559

meager and a paltry sum has been assessed by the

Tribunal. He contends that the compensation under the

head of 'future loss of income' was not properly assessed

as the functional disability of the petitioner was not

considered with reference to his avocation. He submits

that the disability should have been held at 50% and an

adequate compensation should have been awarded. He

further contends that the policy issued by respondent

No.2-Insurance Company being a 'comprehensive package

policy', it covers the risk of the inmates of the vehicle. It is

submitted that the decision in the case of JAGTAR SINGH

ALIAS JAGDEV SINGH VS. SANJEEV KUMAR AND

OTHERS1 as well as the decision in the case of

NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED VS.

BALAKRISHNAN AND ANOTHER2, categorically lay

down that the inmate of the car or pillion rider of the two

wheeler is covered when a package policy has been issued

by the Insurance Company. He also relied on the decision

(2018)15 SCC 189

AIR 2013 SC 473

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

of a Collateral Bench of this Court in the case of DADA

KHALANDER VS. MUNEER KHAN AND OTHERS3

rendered by Dharwad Bench of this Court.

10. In light of the submissions made above, the

points that arise for consideration are:

(i) Whether the policy issued by the appellant-

Insurance Company covers the risk of the inmates of the vehicle?

(ii) Whether the compensation awarded by the Tribunal is just and proper?

Regarding Point No.1:

11. Petitioner contends that he was proceeding to

the site of work at the instruction of his employer and he

was working as an electrician. It is contended that another

employee by name Dhanush was also travelling with him.

It is contended that he was working under one Prashanth

and he was the owner of the vehicle i.e., the respondent

No.1. It is contended that the vehicle was covered under

MFA No.23416/2013, DD: 6-10-2017

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

the policy issued by respondent No.2 and it was a

'package policy'. Therefore, it is contended that inmates of

the vehicle are also covered as per the decision in the case

of BALAKRISHNAN (referred supra).

12. Per contra, the Insurance Company has raised a

contention that the additional premium in respect of

inmates of the vehicle was not paid and therefore, the risk

of the inmates of the vehicle is not covered under the

policy.

13. A perusal of the policy produced by the

Insurance Company at Ex.R1 shows that the policy was

issued in the name of Prashanth i.e., respondent No.1. It

is a 'private car package policy' as per the title mentioned

on it. The third party basic premium of Rs.740/- was

paid, but there was no premium paid in respect of

unnamed passenger. However, the owner was covered as

a sum of Rs.100/- was paid as an additional premium. A

total sum of Rs.6,364/- was paid as a total premium

amount. Therefore, there cannot be a doubt that it was a

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

'package policy' issued by the respondent No.2-Insurance

Company.

14. The question is, whether the policy at Ex.R1

covered the risk of the petitioner, who was traveling in the

said vehicle as an employee of the owner of the vehicle

i.e., Prashanth-respondent No.1?

15. It is relevant to note that the decision in the

case of BALAKRISHNAN (referred supra) at paragraph

No.18 reads as below:

"18. The High Court has also reproduced a circular issued by IRDA dated 3.12.2009. It is instructive to quote the same:-

"IRDA

IRDA/NL/CIR/FandU/078/12/2009

03.12.2009.

To

All CEOs of all general insurance companies (except ECGC, AIC, Staff Health, Apollo)

Re: Liability of insurance companies in respect of occupant of a private car and pillion rider in a two wheeler under Standard Motor Package Policy (also called Comprehensive Policy).

Pursuant to the Order of the Delhi High Court dated 23 11.2009 in MAC APP No. 176/2009 in the case of Yashpal Luthra v. United India and Ors. the Authority convened a

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

meeting on November 26, 2009 of the CEOs of all the general insurance companies doing motor insurance business in the presence of the counsel appearing on behalf of the Authority and the learned amicus curie.

Based on the unanimous decision taken in the meeting by the representatives of the general insurance companies to comply with the IRDA circular dated 16th November, 2009 restating the position relating to the liability of all the general insurance companies doing motor insurance business in respect of the occupants in a private car and pillion rider on a two wheeler under the comprehensive/package policies which was communicated to the court on the same day i.e. November 26, 2009 and the court was pleased to pass the order (dt. 26.11.2009) received from the Court Master, Delhi High Court, is enclosed for your ready reference and adherence. In terms of the said order and the admitted liability of all the general insurance companies doing motor insurance business in respect of the occupants in a private car and pillion rider on a two-wheeler under the comprehensive/package policies, you are advised to confirm to the Authority, strict compliance of the circular dated 16th November, 2009 and orders dt 26.11.2009 of the High Court. Such compliance on your part would also involve:

(i) Withdrawing the plea against such a contest wherever taken in the cases pending before the MACT, and issue appropriate instructions to their respective lawyers and the operating officers within 7 days;

(ii) with respect to all appeals pending before the High Courts on this point, issuing instructions. within 7 days to the respective operating officers and the counsel to withdraw the contest on this ground which would require identification of the number of appeals pending before the High Courts (whether filed by the claimants or the insurers) on this issue within a period of 2 weeks and the contest on this ground being withdrawn within a period of four weeks thereafter;

(iii) With respect to the appeals pending before. the Hon'ble Apex Court, informing, within a period of 7 days, their respective advocates on record about the IRDA Circulars, for appropriate advice and action. Your attention is also drawn to the discussions in the CEOs meeting on 26.11.2009, when it was reiterated that insurers must take immediate steps to

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

collect statistics about accident claims on the above subject through a central point of reference decided by them as the same has to be communicated in due course to the Honourable High Court. You are therefore advised to take up the exercise of collecting and collating the information within a period of two months to ensure necessary and effective compliance of the order of the Court. The information may be centralized with the Secretariat of the General Insurance Council and also furnished to us.

IRDA requires a written confirmation from you on the action taken by you in this regard.

This has the approval of the Competent Authority.

Sd/-

(Prabodh Chander)

Executive Director."

16. In the said decision, the Apex Court had

considered the distinction between the 'Act Policy' and

'comprehensive Policy/package policy'. The Apex Court

also observed that in an earlier decision in the case of

BHAGYALAKSHMI AND OTHERS VS. UNITED

INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED AND ANOTHER4, the

matter was referred to the Larger Bench. Later, in view of

the circulars issued by Tariff Advisory Committee and

IRDA, it was felt that such reference to the Larger Bench is

(2009) 7 SCC 148

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

not necessary. The Apex Court has reproduced the

Circulars issued by the IRDA in this regard.

17. The directions of the IRDA are to be considered

in the light of the contentions taken up by the appellant-

Insurance Company in the written statement. Obviously,

the written statement was filed on 19.04.2013, which is

much later to the said Circular issued by the IRDA.

Therefore, it is evident that the contentions taken up by

the appellant-Insurance Company was very much clarified

by the IRDA much earlier point of time. But the written

statement does not refer to the said circular. Hence, there

cannot be a doubt that the package policy covers the risk

of the inmates of the vehicle.

18. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner

has also placed reliance on the decision in the case of

JAGTAR SINGH ALIAS JAGDEV SINGH (supra), which

also lays reliance on the decision in the case of

BALAKRISHNAN (supra). It is evident that the Apex

Court has reiterated the decision in the case of

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

BALAKRISHNAN (supra) and therefore, the ratio laid

down in the decision in the case of BALAKRISHNAN

(supra) is very much applicable to the case on hand also.

19. The decision in the case of ORIENTAL

INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED VS. SURENDRA

NATH LOOMBA AND OTHERS5 also holds that there is

no scintilla of doubt that a 'Comprehensive/package policy'

would cover the liability of the insurer for payment of

compensation for the occupant in a car. It was clarified

that the Act Policy and Comprehensive Policy stands on a

different footing and in view of the circular issued by the

IRDA, the inmate of the car is covered by the insurance, if

it is a 'package policy'.

20. Learned counsel appearing for the appellant-

Insurance Company contends that the decisions referred

by the petitioner pertains to an occupant of the car or a

pillion rider. It does not pertain to an employee. In the

(2012) 13 SCC 792

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

case on hand, the petitioner claims that he is the

employee of the respondent No.1, who is the owner of the

vehicle. Therefore, he tries to distinguish the case on

hand from the factual matrix of the decisions referred

supra. It is pertinent to note that one construction is,

whatever the nomenclature may be, the premium paid

determine the coverage. A comprehensive/package policy

may still be short of covering the occupant for not

collecting or paying the extra premium. In other words,

premium paid would determine the nature of the coverage

of the policy.

21. The second construction is, when the word

'package/comprehensive' is used, it gives the meaning

that 'every thing including the occupant, driver, owners

are covered under the policy'. The premium paid is

irrelevant and recede to oblivion.

22. By virtue of the circulars issued by IRDA

concerning the package policy, it appears that there is a

deviation from the contention that the premium paid

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

would determine the nature of the coverage of the policy.

Therefore, when the decisions mentioned supra clearly

mention that the 'package policy' covers the inmates of

the vehicle, including the pillion rider, if it is a two

wheeler, there cannot be any doubt that the petitioner is

also covered by the 'package policy' issued by respondent

No.2-Insurance company.

23. Yet another aspect which is of importance is,

when the package policy covers the occupant of the

vehicle, entering into the further classification of the

occupant, i.e., whether he is an employee, relative of the

employee or relative of the owner etc., would be

irrelevant. The word 'comprehensive/package policy' would

have no significance, if category of the occupant would

determine the coverage of the policy or nullify such

coverage of the policy. Of course, the insurance is a

contract, but the purpose and object of the Motor Vehicles

Act, to compensate a victim cannot be lost sight of.

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

24. From the stand point of insured, the 'package/

comprehensive policy' has the meaning to 'cover all the

liability' or 'specified package'. But, the granular details of

the package and the insured buying the coverage in the

packages are neither available in public domain nor in the

fine print of the policy. If the buyer of the policy has

options to make the policy cover in various aspects, then it

could have been said that the 'package policy' has these

options (or packages) available. In the case on hand, it is

evident that respondent No.2-Insurance Company had not

offered the coverages/packages even though, it is a

'package policy'. The difference between the 'package

policy' and the 'Act Policy' has not been clarified. It is

pertinent to note a perusal of the Ex.R1-policy shows that

it is a 'package policy' and if it is not a 'package policy',

how it is different from an 'Act Policy' is not forthcoming.

Therefore, it would be a futile exercise to enter into a

discussion, as to whether the premium paid would

determine the nature of the policy. On the other hand, it

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

would suffice to hold that the 'package policy' covers the

risk of inmates as per circular issued by IRDA and the

policy having been issued in 2012, the said policy should

cover the clarification or the circular issued by IRDA in this

regard. It appears that in recent years the insurance

Companies have started specifying the number of inmates

of the vehicles covered under the package policy.

25. Therefore, I am unable to accept the contention

of the learned counsel for the Insurance Company that the

policy did not cover the risk of the inmate of the vehicle.

Consequently, the appeal filed by the Insurance Company,

on this count, is liable to be rejected.

Regarding Point No.2:

26. Coming to the contention of the learned counsel

for the petitioner that the compensation awarded by the

Tribunal is inadequate, it is submitted that the Tribunal did

not adopt the structural formula in respect of the disability

sustained by the petitioner. A perusal of the impugned

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

judgment shows that the Tribunal has awarded a sum of

Rs.6,41,995/- and separate head in respect of the loss on

account of disability was globally considered at

Rs.2,00,000/-. The Tribunal, however, has held that there

is a disability of 18% and the income of the petitioner was

Rs.12,000/- per month. Obviously, the petitioner has not

examined the employer i.e., respondent No.1 and the

respondent No.1 also had not filed any written statement

admitting the claim of the petitioner.

27. In that view of the matter, the Tribunal clearly

erred in holding that the income of the petitioner was

Rs.12,000/- per month. The Certificate issued by the

respondent No.1-Prashanth produced at Ex.P8 has not

been proved as required under law. Therefore, the

Tribunal should have adopted the notional income in

coming to the conclusion in the matter.

28. The guidelines issued by the Karnataka State

Legal Services Authority for the purpose of settlement of

disputes before Lok-Adalat prescribe a notional income of

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

Rs.7,000/- per month for the year 2012. In umpteen

number of decisions and also in the case of

SMT.MARIYAMMA VS. SUYAMBULINGAM V. AND

ANOTHER6, this Court has held that the guidelines issued

by KSLSA are in general conformity with the wages fixed

under the Minimum Wages Act. Therefore, the notional

income has to be held to be Rs.7,000/- per month.

29. The petitioner contends that he was an

Electrician and he had suffered the following injuries in the

accident:

"(I) 1 x 1 cm laceration present on left parietal area. (II) small abrasion on the sternum (III) 4 x 2 cm laceration on the left knee point (IV) 3 x 3 cm laceration on the left leg posteriorly with bleeding (V) Extradural hematoma in the left fronto temporal area (VI) Fracture of squamous temporal bone on the left side.

(VII) Fracture of lateral wall of left orbit (VIII) Fracture of mandible (IX) Fracture of left tibia (X) Fracture of left femur."

30. PW.2, who has assessed the disability of the

petitioner has stated that there is deformity in the left

MFA No.7404/2014, DD:06.12.2022

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

knee, petitioner walks with short limb gait, there is 2 cms

shortening in the left femur, 1 cms shortening in left tibia,

and movements of the left leg and left knee are restricted.

Therefore, he has assessed the disability of 18% in the left

lower limb. When we consider the avocation of the

petitioner that he was an Electrician, it can be said that

functional disability is 10%. Hence, the 'loss of future

income' is calculated as Rs.7,000/- x 12 x 18 x 10%

=1,51,200/-. So far as 'pain and suffering' is concerned,

the Tribunal has awarded the compensation of Rs.50,000/-

and no enhancement is required.

31. The Tribunal has awarded a sum of Rs.8,100/-

for 'attendant charges'. Considering the period of inpatient

treatment on two spells, a sum of Rs.10,000/- is awarded

under this head. The petitioner has produced the medical

bills and the actual medical bills are to the tune of

Rs.4,31,995/-. Therefore, the same has to be awarded to

the petitioner.

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32. The Tribunal has awarded a sum of Rs.12,000/-

under the head of 'loss of income during laid up period'.

Considering the nature of the injuries, it can safely be said

that the petitioner was unable to resume his work at least

for a period of 5 months. Therefore, Rs.35,000/-

(Rs.7,000/- x 5 ) is awarded to him under this head.

33. The Tribunal has not awarded any

compensation under the head of 'loss of amenities in life'.

The petitioner has to suffer the 'short limb gait' for rest of

his life. Therefore, a sum of Rs.50,000/- is awarded under

this head. Thus, the petitioner is entitled for a total

compensation of Rs.7,28,195/- under the following heads:

          Sl.                                         Amount
                       Particulars
          No.                                         (in Rs.)
           1. Pain and sufferings                         50,000/-
           2. Attendant, food and extra
                                                          10,000/-
                nourishment
           3. Medical expenses                          4,31,995/-
           4. Loss of future income                     1,51,200/-
           5. Loss of income                              35,000/-
           6. Loss of amenities in life                   50,000/-
          Total                                        7,28,195/-
          Less: Awarded by the Tribunal                7,12,095/-
          Enhancement                                    16,100/-
                                   - 25 -
                                                       NC: 2023:KHC:45559






         34.   Thus,    there    will      be     an   enhancement     of

Rs.16,100/- with interest.


35. Learned counsel for the Insurance Company

contended that the compensation awarded by the Tribunal

carries an interest at 9% p.a. Learned counsel submits

that the compensation awarded are primarily in respect of

future entitlements of the petitioner. Therefore, he

contends that grant of interest at 9% p.a., would be a

bonanza and cannot come within the purview of just

compensation.

36. The decision of a Division Bench of this Court in

the case of MS. JOYEETA BOSE AND OTHERS VS.

VENKATESHAN V. AND OTHERS7 was pressed into

service by the learned counsel for the Insurance Company.

In view of the ratio laid down in the decision of the said

case, it would be proper to reduce the rate of interest from

MFA No.5896/2018 & Conn.Matters DD 24/8/2020

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NC: 2023:KHC:45559

9% p.a. to 6% p.a. Hence, the rate of interest shall be 6%

p.a. on the compensation amount.

37. In view of the above, both the appeals deserve

to be allowed in part. Hence, the following:

ORDER

(i) Both the appeals are allowed in part.

(ii) The impugned Judgment and Award dated 22.06.2016 passed by the Tribunal in MVC.No.1723/2012 is modified. The petitioner is entitled for compensation of Rs.Rs.7,28,195/- along with interest at 6% p.a., from the date of petition till its realization instead of instead of Rs.7,12,095/- awarded by the Tribunal.

(iii) The Insurance Company is directed to deposit the compensation amount within a period of six weeks from the date of this order.

(iv) The amount in deposit before this Court in MFA No.188/2017 is ordered to be transmitted to the Tribunal forthwith.

- 27 -

NC: 2023:KHC:45559

(v) Rest of the conditions imposed by the Tribunal in respect of the FD and etc., remain unaltered.

Sd/-

JUDGE

tsn*

 
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