Kerala High Court
Junu.P.R@Jinu vs Abhilashkumar on 3 June, 2025
2025:KER:38849
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE C.S. SUDHA
TUESDAY, THE 3RD DAY OF JUNE 2025 / 13TH JYAISHTA, 1947
MACA NO. 52 OF 2020
AGAINST THE AWARD DATED 10.07.2019 IN OPMV NO.1369 OF
2014 OF MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, KOTTAYAM
APPELLANT/PETITIONER:
JUNU.P.R@JINU
AGED 47 YEARS, S/O. RAVI,
RESIDING AT KALATHITHARA (KALATHIPARAMBIL) HOUSE,
PALLIPURATHUSSERY P O, KOTTAYAM-686606.
SRI.T.C.SURESH MENON
SRI.P.S.APPU
SRI.A.R.NIMOD
RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS:
1 KRISHNA KUMAR
S/O. VENUGOPAL, RESIDING AT KRISHNA BHAVAN,
MARUTHORVATTOM P O, CHERTHALA,
ALAPPUZHA, PIN-688545.
2 AJITHKUMAR
S/O. MURALIDHARAN NAIR, RESIDING AT KUDUMMEPPALLIL
(KIZHAKKECHIRA) HOUSE, MARUTHORVATTOM P O,
CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZHA,PIN-688545.
3 UNITED INDIA INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED,
KOTTAYAM P O, KOTTAYAM-686001,
REP.BY ITS BRANCH MANAGER
SMT.P.A.REZIYA
SRI.P.K.MANOJKUMAR, SC
THIS MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR
HEARING ON 03.06.2025, ALONG WITH MACA.1727/2020, 3070/2020,
THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
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2
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE C.S. SUDHA
TUESDAY, THE 3RD DAY OF JUNE 2025 / 13TH JYAISHTA, 1947
MACA NO. 1727 OF 2020
AGAINST THE AWARD DATED 10.07.2019 IN OPMV NO.1766 OF
2015 OF MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, KOTTAYAM
APPELLANT/1ST RESPONDENT:
JUNU.P.R@JINU
AGED 47 YEARS, S/O. RAVI,
RESIDING AT KALATHITHARA (KALATHIPARAMBIL), HOUSE,
PALLIPPURATHUSSERY P O, KOTTAYAM - 686606.
SRI.T.C.SURESH MENON
SRI.P.S.APPU
SRI.A.R.NIMOD
RESPONDENTS/PETITIONER/RESPONDENTS 2 & 3:
1 ABHILASHKUMAR
S/O. GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR, RESIDING AT
KIZHAKKECHIRA HOUSE, MARUTHORVATTOM PO,
THANNEERMUKKOM VILLAGE, CHERTHALA TALUK,
ALAPPUZHA - PIN - 688545.
2 ANOOP V JOSEPH
RESIDING AT VARAPADAVIL HOUSE, PERUMTHURUTHU PO,
KALLARA, KOTTAYAM - 686611,
3 NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
KOTTAYAM P O, KOTTAYAM - 686001, REPRESENTED BY
ITS BRANCH MANAGER.
BY ADV SMT.LATHA SUSAN CHERIAN
THIS MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR
HEARING ON 03.06.2025, ALONG WITH MACA.52/2020 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
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MACA NO.52/2020 and con.cases
3
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE C.S. SUDHA
TUESDAY, THE 3RD DAY OF JUNE 2025 / 13TH JYAISHTA, 1947
MACA NO. 3070 OF 2020
AGAINST THE AWARD DATED 10.07.2019 IN OPMV NO.1765 OF
2015 OF MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, KOTTAYAM
APPELLANT/1ST RESPONDENT:
JUNU P. R. @ JINU
AGED 47 YEARS, S/O. RAVI, RESIDING AT KALATHITHARA
(KALATHIPARAMBIL) HOUSE, PALLIPPURATHUSSERRY P. O.
KOTTAYAM - 686 606.
SRI.T.C.SURESH MENON
SRI.P.S.APPU
SRI.A.R.NIMOD
RESPONDENTS/PETITIONER/RESPONDENTS 2 & 3:
1 AJITHKUMAR
S/O. MURALEEDHARAN NAIR,
RESIDING AT KIZHAKKECHIRA HOUSE, MARUTHORVATTOM
P.O. THANNEERMUKKOM VILLAGE, CHERTHALA TALUK,
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 688 545.
2 ANOOP V. JOSEPH
RESIDING AT VARAPADAVIL HOUSE, PERUMTHURUTH P. O.,
KALLARA, KOTTAYAM - 686 611.
3 NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
KOTTAYAM P. O., KOTTAYAM - 686 001, REPRESENTED BY
ITS BRANCH MANAGER.
BY ADV SMT.LATHA SUSAN CHERIAN
THIS MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR
HEARINGP ON 03.06.2025, ALONG WITH MACA.52/2020 AND
CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE
FOLLOWING:
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MACA NO.52/2020 and con.cases
4
C.S.SUDHA, J.
----------------------------------------------------
M.A.C.A. Nos.52, 1727 & 3070 of 2020
----------------------------------------------------
Dated this the 3rd day of June 2025
JUDGMENT
It is submitted by the learned counsel for the appellant that
M.A.C.A. Nos.1727 & 3070 of 2020 are not pressed. Hence, the
appeals are dismissed as not pressed.
M.A.C.A. No.52/2020 has been filed under Section 173 of
the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (the Act) by the claim petitioner in
O.P.(MV) No.1369/2014 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims
Tribunal, Kottayam, (the Tribunal), aggrieved by the amount of
compensation granted by Award dated 10/07/2019. The
respondents herein are respondents 1 to 3 respectively in the
petition. In this appeal, the parties and the documents will be
referred to as described in the original petition.
2. According to the claim petitioner, on 05/01/2014
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at about 08:00 p.m., while he was riding motorcycle bearing
registration no.KL36C7789 through the Vechoor-Vaikom road,
motorcycle bearing registration no.KL32C182 driven by the second
respondent in a rash and negligent manner knocked him down, as a
result of which he sustained grievous injuries. A sum of
₹20,87,000/- was claimed as compensation under various heads.
3. The first respondent/owner and the second
respondent/rider filed written statement denying negligence on the
part of the latter. It was contended that the incident occurred due to
the negligence of the claim petitioner. The age, occupation and
income of the claim petitioner were also disputed.
4. The third respondent/insurer filed written
statement admitting the existence of a valid policy in respect of the
offending vehicle. The age, occupation and income of the claim
petitioner were disputed. It was contended that the incident
occurred due to the negligence of the claim petitioner.
5. Before the Tribunal, RWs 1 and 2 and Exts.A1 to
A14 and Ext.X1 were marked on the side of the claim petitioner.
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PWs 1 and 2 were examined and Exts.B1 to B11 were marked on
the side of the respondents.
6. The Tribunal on a consideration of the oral and
documentary evidence and after hearing both sides, found that the
incident occurred due to the rash and negligent riding of both the
claim petitioner and the second respondent/rider and so fixed
contributory negligence at 20% each. An amount of ₹9,38,512/-
together with interest @ 8.5% per annum from the date of the
petition till realisation along with proportionate costs has been
awarded. Aggrieved by the Award, the claim petitioner has come
up in appeal.
7. The only point that arises for consideration in this
appeal is whether there is any infirmity in the findings of the
Tribunal calling for an interference by this Court.
8. Heard both sides
9. The award of compensation by the Tribunal under
the following heads are challenged by the claim petitioner -
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Notional income
It is submitted by the learned counsel for the claim
petitioner that the claimant, a 41 year old man, was working as M-
Panel conductor in the KSRTC and was getting monthly income of
₹12,000/-. However, the Tribunal fixed the notional income at
₹6,000/- which is on the lower side. It is also submitted that going
by the dictum in Ramachandrappa v. Manager, Royal
Sundaram Allian. Co. Ltd, (2011) 13 SCC 236, the notional
income of even a coolie is liable to be fixed at ₹9,500/-. That being
the position, the Tribunal has erred in fixing the notional income at
₹6,000/-.
The claim petitioner examined himself as RW1. His
testimony that he was working as M-Panel conductor in the KSRTC
is not seen disputed or discredited. Therefore, taking into account
the dictum in Ramachandrappa (Supra) and the oral testimony of
RW1, I find that an amount of ₹10,000/- per month can be fixed as
the notional income, which would be just and reasonable.
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Extra nourishment
It is pointed out that though an amount of ₹10,000/- was
claimed under this head, the Tribunal has granted an amount of
₹5,000/- only, which again is challenged. The records reveal that
the claim petitioner had to undergo two surgeries and that he was an
inpatient for about 53 days. That being the position, I find that an
amount of ₹10,000/- under this head would be just and reasonable.
Compensation for permanent disability
It is pointed out that though an amount of ₹10,00,000/-
was claimed under this head, the Tribunal has granted an amount of
₹4,23,360/- only, which is challenged by the learned counsel for
the claim petitioner who submitted that, as the claim petitioner has
sustained 42% disability, the Tribunal ought to have added 25% to
the established income of the claim petitioner. This submission of
the learned counsel for the claim petitioner is challenged by the
learned counsel for the third respondent/insurer who submits that
there is no evidence let in by the claim petitioner to show that as a
result of the injuries there was any future loss of earnings.
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The claim petitioner was examined himself as RW1. In the
proof affidavit, paragraph nos.4, 6 and 7 reads thus:
"4. അപകടത്തിൽ എൻ്റെ തലക്ക് ഗുരുതരമായ പരിക്ക്
പറ്റി. തലയോട്ടി പോട്ടി. തല ചോറിനുള്ളിൽ പല ഭാഗത്തും
രക്തം കട്ടുപിടിച്ച് വീക്കമുണ്ടായി. തലച്ചോറിനുള്ളിൽ രക്ത
സ്രാവം ഉണ്ടായി. എന്റെ വലത് കണ്ണിന് ഗുരുതരമായി
പരിക്ക് പറ്റി. എനിക്ക് പരിക്കുകൾ ഹർജിയുടെ 11-ാം
കോളത്തിലും, Indo American Hospital Brain and
Spine Centre ആശുപത്രിയിൽ നിന്നുള്ള Discharge
Summary - കളിലും രേഖപെടുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. അപകടത്തെ
തുടർന്ന് എന്നെ വൈക്കം, ചെമ്മനാകരിയിലുള്ള Indo
American Hospital Brain and Spine Centre
ആശുപത്രിയിൽ അഡ്മിറ്റാക്കി. അവിടെ 05/01/14 മുതൽ
06/02/14 വരെ കിടത്തി ചികിത്സിച്ചു. എന്റെ
തലയോട്ടിയുടെ അസ്ഥിയുടെ ഒരു ഭാഗം നീക്കം ചേയ്ത്
എൻ്റെ വയറിനുള്ളിൽ സുക്ഷിച്ചു. അന്നേ ദിവസം തന്നെ
ചതഞ്ഞുപോയ തലച്ചോറിന്റെ ഭാഗം നീക്കം ചെയ്തു. ഈ
ഓപ്പറേഷൻ നടത്തിയത് 05/01/14-ൽ ആണ്. 08/01/14-
ൽ തൊണ്ട തുളച്ച് ട്യൂബിട്ടു. ആദ്യ അഡ്മിഷന് കിട്ടിയ
Discharge Summary ഹാജരാക്കിയത് Ext.A8 ആയി
അക്കമിടണമെന്ന് അപേക്ഷയുണ്ട്. പിന്നീട് ഞാൻ
outpatient ആയി ചികിത്സ തുടർന്നു. വീണ്ടും 02/04/14 ൽ
ടി ആശുപത്രിയിൽ വീണ്ടും അഡ്മിറ്റായി 14/04/14 വരെ
കിടന്ന് ചികിത്സിച്ചു. അപ്പോൾ വയറിനുള്ളിൽ വച്ചിരുന്ന
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MACA NO.52/2020 and con.cases
തലയോട്ടിയുടെ ഭാഗം തിരികെ തലയിൽ തന്നെ 03/04/14
ഓപ്പറേഷൻ നടത്തി തിരികെ വച്ചു. ടി കാലയളവിൽ കിട്ടിയ
Discharge Summary ഹാജരാക്കിയത് Ext.A9 ആയി
അക്കമിടണമെന്ന് അപേക്ഷയുണ്ട്. പിന്നീട് നാളിതൂവരെ
outpatient ആയി ചികിത്സ തുടരുകയാണ്. C. T. Scan
Report ഹാജരാക്കിയത് Ext.A10 ആയി അക്കമിടണമെന്ന്
അപേക്ഷയുണ്ട്.
xxxxxxxxx
6. അപകടസമയം ഞാൻ കണ്ടക്ടറായി ജോലി
ചെയ്യുകയായിരുന്നു. K.S.R.T.C.-യിൽ M.Panal
ജീവനക്കാരൻ ആയിരുന്നു. മാസം 12000/- രൂപാ
കിട്ടിയിരുന്നു. അപകടത്തിന് ശേഷം എനിക്കുണ്ടായ
അംഗവൈകല്യം മൂലം എനിക്ക് അനുവദിച്ച ഡ്യൂട്ടി
ചെയ്യുന്നതിന് സാധിച്ചിട്ടില്ല.
7. അപകടത്തിൽ ഏറ്റ പരിക്കുകൾ മൂലം എനിക്ക് 42%
സ്ഥിരമായ അംഗവൈകല്യമുണ്ട്. എനിക്ക് മണം അറിയാൻ
സാധിക്കുന്നില്ല. എൻ്റെ കണ്ണുകൾക്ക് കാഴ്ച്ചക്കുറവും,
ഡബിൾ വിഷനും തുടങ്ങി പലകുഴപ്പങ്ങളുണുണ്ട്. എനിക്ക്
യാതൊരുവിധ ജോലിയും സ്ഥരമായി ചെയ്യുന്നതിന്
സാധ്യമല്ല. Disability Certificate X1 ആയി
അക്കമിടണമെന്ന് അപേക്ഷയുണ്ട്." (Emphasis supplied)
This testimony is not seen challenged or discredited in the
cross-examination of RW1. The Tribunal also took note of the fact
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that the injuries sustained by the claim petitioner are quite grievous.
In the light of the unchallenged testimony of RW1 regarding the
disability suffered and consequent loss of earning power, I find that
25% can be added to the established income of the claim petitioner
while computing compensation towards future loss of earnings.
Hence, the claim petitioner would be entitled to ₹8,82,000/-
(10,000+25%x12x14x42/100).
Compensation for loss of amenities in life
It is submitted by the learned counsel for the claim
petitioner that though an amount of ₹1,00,000/- was claimed, the
Tribunal has granted ₹75,000/- only which is on the lower side.
The claim petitioner has sustained the following injuries:
"a) Acute subdural hematoma on right hemispheric
convexity with compression of underlying cerebral
parenchyma, midline shift of 9 m.m. subarachnoid
hemorrhage (SAH);
b) Linear fracture involving occipital bone, soft tissue
scalp swelling/hematoma on left side of occipital region;
c) Right frontal lobe hemorrhagic contusion. Hyper
density noted in multiple sulci, suggestive of
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subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH);
d) Acute hemorrhage on anterior portion of bilateral
parasagittal frontal lobe, hemorrhagic contusion with
focal extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage;
e) Injury to right eye - restricted movement of eyeball."
In the light of the injuries sustained and the testimony of
RW1, I find that an amount of ₹1,00,000/- would be just and
reasonable compensation.
Disfiguration
It is submitted by the learned counsel for the claim
petitioner that though an amount of ₹50,000/- was claimed, the
Tribunal has only granted ₹25,000/- which is on the lower side.
Admittedly, the injuries sustained by the claim petitioner are on the
head and he had undergone craniotomy and evacuation which was
followed by two surgeries. The claim petitioner at the time of the
incident was a young man aged 41 years. Therefore, I find that an
amount of ₹50,000/- under this head would be just and reasonable.
10. The impugned Award is modified to the following
extent:
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Sl. Head of claim Amount Amount Modified in
No. claimed Awarded by appeal
Tribunal
1. Loss of ₹1,44,000/- ₹72,000/- ₹1,20,000/-
earnings (6,000 x 12) (10,000 x 12)
2. Partial loss of Nil Nil Nil
earnings (No
Modification)
3. Transport to ₹10,000/- ₹6,000/- ₹6,000/-
hospital (No
Modification)
4. Extra ₹10,000/- ₹5,000/- ₹10,000/-
nourishment
5. Damage to ₹3,000/- ₹2,000/- ₹2,000/-
clothing and (No
articles Modification)
6. Others:
1. Medical ₹5,50,000/- ₹4,59,780/- ₹4,59,780/-
expenses
2. Bystander ₹20,000/- ₹5,000/- ₹5,000/-
expense
3. Future ₹50,000/- Nil Nil
treatment (No
Modification)
7. Compensation ₹1,50,000/- ₹1,00,000/- ₹1,00,000/-
for pain and (No
suffering Modification)
8. Compensation ₹10,00,000/- ₹4,23,360/- ₹8,82,000/-
for continuing (6000 x 12 x 14 x (10,000+25% x
or permanent 42/100) 12x14x42/100)
disability
resulting in
loss of
reduction in
earning
capacity
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9. Compensation ₹1,00,000/- ₹75,000/- ₹1,00,000/-
for loss of
amenities in
life
Disfiguration ₹50,000/- ₹25,000/- ₹50,000/-
Total ₹20,87,000/- ₹11,73,140/- ₹17,34,780/-
- ₹2,34,628/- - ₹3,46,956/-
Less ------------------ ------------------
contributory ₹9,38,512/- ₹13,87,824/-
negligence 20%
In the result, the appeal is allowed by enhancing the
compensation by a further amount of ₹4,49,312/- (total
compensation ₹13,87,824/- that is, ₹9,38,512/- granted by the
Tribunal + ₹4,49,312/- granted in appeal) with interest at the rate
of 8% per annum from the date of petition till date of realization
and proportionate costs. The third respondent/insurer is directed to
deposit the aforesaid amount before the Tribunal within a period of
60 days from the date of receipt of a copy of the judgment. On
deposit of the amount, the Tribunal shall disburse the amount to the
claim petitioner at the earliest in accordance with law after making
deductions, if any.
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Interlocutory applications, if any pending, shall stand
closed.
Sd/-
C.S.SUDHA
JUDGE
NP
