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2022 Supreme(Raj) 439

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN BENCH AT JAIPUR
SUDESH BANSAL, J.
State of Rajasthan through Chairman Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. – Appellant
Versus
Guddi Bai widow of late Jagdish Singh – Respondent
S.B. Civil First Appeal No. 393 of 2015
Decided on : 27-07-2022

Headnote:

Indian Fatal Accidents Act, 1855 – Section 1-A, 163-A – First appeal – Compensation – Facts of case are that respondents plaintiffs filed a civil suit claiming compensation on account of accidental death of their husband, son and father, because of electrocution, while he was driving pick-up –Held, Trial court did not apply aforesaid principle in correct perspective, as for funeral has been awarded, which should be for loss of consortium has been awarded to wife, and for love and affection for four children and mother each has been awarded, which should as a whole, and further can be awarded in the head of loss of estate, which has not been awarded – Trial court also not calculated compensation applying prospect of future aspects, which is necessary and should be applied @ 40% as per age of deceased – Ordered Accordingly.

JUDGMENT :

1. This first appeal under Section 96 CPC has been filed against the judgment and decree dated 5-5-2015 passed by the Additional District Judge Chhabra, in Suit No.7/2013, whereby and whereunder decreeing the suit claiming compensation under Section 1-A of the Indian Fatal Accidents Act, 1855 allowed compensation Rs.8,16,280/-to plaintiffs against appellant JVVNL on account of death of their husband and father due to electrocution.

2. The facts of the case are that respondents plaintiffs (hereafter `the plaintiffs’) filed a civil suit claiming compensation on account of accidental death of their husband, son and father Jagdish, aged 35 years, who died on 16-8-2011 because of electrocution, while he was driving pick-up RJ-28-GA-0958. It was averred that on 16-8-2011 at 8.00 AM while Jagdish was driving pick-up, along with Bablu @ Charan Singh and Banti @ Rajbhan, from Bhojpur to Kadaiyahat, just after village Kotdapar near the house of Badri Lal Aheer while pick-up was crossing the gravel road came into contact of electricity line of 11000 KV, which was loose, Jagdish became unconscious, Bablu @ Charan Singh died on spot and Banti @ Rajbhan saved his life by jump from the vehicle. Jagdish was taken to hospital where during treatment he died because of electrocution. As such alleging negligence on the part of defendants suit was filed claiming compensation to the tune of Rs.23,30,000/-.

3. On issuing notices appellants-defendants JVVNL filed written statement and denied the allegation of negligence and stated that plaintiffs have intentionally did not implead the insurance company as party in the suit and that plaintiffs have made efforts for compensation from defendants as well as from the insurance company. It was pleaded that on gravel road because of sand and boulder the level of road risen due to which accident of electrocution occurred, for which the agency constructing the road was responsible and not defendants. Plaintiffs have not impleaded the agency which was constructing road. Once the pick-up had already crossed gravel road, on return it was fault of driver due to which it came into contact of electricity line, but wires were not loose, nor any such complaint was ever received. Therefore, defendants are not responsible for the death of deceased. It was stated that body of pick-up was high than the regular height, further somebody riding in pick-up used stick, due to which fatal accident occurred. It was further stated that in day light electric wires were visible, if driver might have driven vehicle carefully accident could be avoided. It was further stated that lineman was already deputed at the place, who never made any complaint about low line. Defendants did not commit any carelessness in their duty and accordingly prayed for dismissal of suit.

4. On the basis of pleadings of parties the trial court framed five issues. First, whether on 16-8-2011 at 8.00 AM when Jagdish was driving pickup RJ28GA0958 at Kotdapar on gravel road opposite house of Badrilal Aheer reached near pole in field of Madanlal came into contact of electricity line of 11000 KV, due to which Jagdish became unconscious and died during treatment? Second, Whether the accident of issue No.1 occurred due to carelessness and negligence of defendants No.3&4, who were employed in employment of defendants No.1&2, therefore, defendants are liable for compensation jointly and severally? Third, whether plaintiffs are entitled for compensation as claimed in para No.4 of plaint? Fourth, whether the pickup mentioned in issue No.1 was insured with Iffco Tokiyo General Insurance Company, which was liable for compensation, and since Insurance Company has not been impleaded in suit, the suit is liable to be dismissed? Fifth, Relief?

5. Plaintiffs examined two witnesses Guddi bai and Rajbhan @ Banti and exhibited 15 documents. Defendants examined two wit

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