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2005 Supreme(Guj) 732

Gujarat High Court
Judgename :Bhawani Singh, H.K.Rathod
MAHENDRAKUMAR MANILAL PATEL - Appellant
Versus
RAMJIBHAI DALSIBHAI CHAUDHARI - Respondent
First Appeal 468 of 1989
Decided On : 10/27/2005

Advocates Appeared: B.N.KESHVANI, B.S.PATEL, Mita S.Panchal, P.V.Nanavati

Headnote:

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Section 165 - Fatal Accidents Act, 1855 - Section 1-A and 2 - Compensation - Accident took place was Police Sub Inspector at that time - Along with other police officials, he had gone in connection with investigation of dacoity case registered Police Station vide - Opponent-1 was driver of Jeep by which the police party was traveling - When they reached near highway, it is alleged that Truck driven by (opponent-4), owned by (opponent-5), insured with New India Assurance Company Limited (opponent-6), with which, Jeep of State (opponent-2) was also insured, came from the opposite direction with full lights towards the Jeep, which was also driven at excessive speed - Held, According to the doctor, artificial leg requires to be replaced every two years - It is contended that reasonable compensation has been awarded under this head - Claimant cannot be asked to use artificial limbs from Jaipur alone because they are cheaper - Question is of suitability and reliability - In case better artificial limb is available elsewhere, he can do so - One contended that claimant has replaced artificial leg number of times costing him much more than awarded by the Tribunal - To buttress this submission, Rehabs Physical Restorations, is placed on record - Claimant may have replaced artificial leg after two years as stated by the doctor but expenditure statements/ bills have not been filed - Opposite parties do not state that claimant undertook replacement of limbs from Jaipur during all replacements - In these circumstances, expenses for buying limbs is increased - Similarly, there is loss of future earnings as discussed in preceding part of judgment - Claims Tribunal has awarded - Taking monthly salary, compensation for loss of future earnings is increased - Claimant is therefore entitled to enhanced compensation - Appeal dismissed. (Para 13)

BHAWANI SINGH, CJ.

( 1 ) THESE Appeals and Cross Objections are directed against the Award of Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (Main), Panchmahals at Godhara, MACP No. 98 of 1984, dated 29. 10. 1988. First Appeal No. 468 of 1989 is by insured for setting aside the award, First Appeal No. 931 of 1989 is by State of Gujarat for setting aside the Award against it, while Cross Objections No. 90 of 2004 are by claimant for enhancement of Award. Therefore, they arise out of the same accident, same parties and common Award. Consequently, being disposed of by this judgment.

( 2 ) SHORTLY stated, accident took place on 10. 8. 1983. Shri R. D. Chaudhari (claimant) was Police Sub Inspector at that time. Along with other police officials, he had gone to Godhara, Dahod, etc. on 9. 8. 1983 from Balasinor in connection with investigation of dacoity case registered at Balasinor Police Station vide C. R. No. 59 of 1983. Rasulmiya Ahmadmiya (opponent-1) was driver of Jeep by which the police party was traveling. When they reached near Vavadi-Khurda Patiya on Godhara-Sevalia highway at about 3:30 a. m. , it is alleged that Truck bearing registration No. GTH-7772, driven by Ganikhan Ahmadkhan Malek (opponent-4), owned by Mahendrakumar Manilal Patel (opponent-5), insured with New India Assurance Company Limited (opponent-6), with which, Jeep No. GAK-9145 of State of Gujarat (opponent-2) was also insured, came from the opposite direction with full lights towards the Jeep, which was also driven at excessive speed. The driver of the Jeep, with a view to avoid the accident, took it to the left but it dashed with the tree, with the result, claimant sustained injuries on the left leg, left hand and other parts of the body. Immediately, he was shifted to Civil Hospital, Godhara, treated there and referred to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, the same day. Information of this accident was lodged at Godhara Taluka Police Station and C. R. No. 85 of 1983 registered. Claimant suffered extensive wound of 15 cm. x 10 cm. over left leg with muscles exposed and crushed with no movement and sensation. Plaster was applied on super condylar fracture bunerus (left ). He was admitted in the hospital, treated as an indoor patient as left leg below knee was amputed. He was discharged with plaster after 59 days carrying permanent disability of 70%. He was unable to sit cross legged, he could not move without crutches, he could not run nor walk fast, he could not drive motorcycle or car, he could not swim or take part in sports. He was due for promotion but may lose it due to amputation, he may lose further promotions to the post of Dy. S. P. or D. S. P. He remained without work for five months ten days. therefore, suffered loss of leave also. He was given fitness certificate for joining duties from 20. 1. 1984. Claimant states that Jeep driver was driving it with excessive speed rashly and negligently and failed to exercise due care and caution. He was in the employment of State of Gujarat, owner of the Jeep. Driver of the Truck was also driving it negligently at an excessive speed with full lights on at the time of accident. He also failed to exercise due care and caution, came towards the Jeep, with the result, driver of the Jeep took turn to the left to avoid the accident, but stuck against a tree. Truck driver was in the employment of Mahendrakumar Manilal Patel, owner of Truck, duly insured with the New India Assurance Company Limited; all the opponents liable for compensation.

( 3 ) OPPONENTS-1 and 2 admit factum of accident, place and date thereof, however, allegation of rashness and negligence by driver, future loss of promotions, etc. is denied. Alternatively, it is stated that Truck driver, owner of Truck and insurer are liable for the accident. Insurance Company of Jeep denies the income of claimant and negligence of Jeep driver and states that Truck driver was responsible for the accident. Same Insurance Company (opponent-6) denies the income, age and nature of injur















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