IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
SATHI KUMAR SUKUMARA KURUP, J.
Dr. P. Elango - Appellant
Versus
P.K. Duraisamy & Another - Respondent
C.M.A. No. 2614 of 2011
Decided On : 03-03-2021
Motor Vehicles Act - Compensation for injuries - 173 - [MOTOR VEHICLES ACT, 1988, Section 173] - The court discussed the compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident and the calculation of the amount based on the percentage of disability. It also addressed the various heads under which compensation was awarded and enhanced the amount for certain heads based on the nature of injuries sustained by the claimant.
Fact of the Case:
The appellant/claimant sought enhancement of compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The Tribunal had awarded a lower amount than claimed by the appellant.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the compensation awarded for the injuries suffered by the claimant was too low and enhanced the amount under various heads such as loss of income, medical expenses, pain and sufferings, extra nourishment, transportation, attendant charges, loss of earning during the treatment period, and loss of amenities.
Issues: Entitlement to enhancement of compensation.
Ratio Decidendi: The court determined the compensation based on the percentage of disability and the nature of injuries sustained by the claimant. It also considered the medical expenses and other relevant factors in enhancing the compensation.
Final Decision: The Civil Miscellaneous Appeal was allowed, and the Insurance Company was directed to deposit the enhanced amount to the credit of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal within a specified period.
JUDGMENT :
Prayer: Civil Miscellaneous Appeal filed under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, against the judgment and decree in M.C.O.P.No.300 of 2008 dated 20.10.2009 on the file of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal/Additional District Judge, Fast Track Court, Namakkal.
Through Video Conference;
1. The Civil Miscellaneous Appeal has been filed challenging the fair and decretal order dated 20.10.2009 passed in MCOP.No.300 of 2008 by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal/Additional District Judge, Fast Track Court, Namakkal.
2. The case in brief is as follows: On 02.06.2007 at about 10.30 p.m., while the petitioner was travelling in the car bearing Registration No.TN 28 J 4789, at that time, a Mini Auto bearing Registration No.TN 33 AC 2126, driven by its driver in a rash and negligent manner, dashed against the claimant, as a result of which, he sustained grievous injuries all over the body. He was taken for treatment to C.K.Hospital, Erode and then he was shifted to Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore for further treatment.
3. Mr. M.P. Thangavel, the learned counsel for the appellant/claimant has submitted his arguments. As per his submissions, the claimant is a Doctor. Due to the injuries sustained by him, he had suffered permanent disability. Though the disability certificate was furnished by which the disability was fixed at 45%, without assigning any reason, the Tribunal had taken only 20%. Therefore, the total amount arrived by the Tribunal is too low. Therefore, claimant has preferred this appeal seeking enhancement of the compensation. He also furnished the calculation sheet wherein he suggested that Rs.2000/- awarded by the Tribunal for each percentage of disability may be adopted, but for the entire percentage of disability i.e., 45% as per the disability certificate. Therefore, if Rs.2,000/- is taken as compensation for each percentage, for 45%, it is Rs.90,000 (45x2000). The medical bills furnished totally were to the tune of Rs.2,00,413/- but some bills were photo copies. Therefore the Tribunal had rejected those bills and awarded a sum of Rs.1,20,568/- only.
4. Mr. S. Vadivel, the learned counsel for the respondent/Insurance Company has vehemently objected stating that the Tribunal had properly arrived at the compensation. Therefore, according to him, this appeal lacks merits and has to be dismissed.
5. Point for consideration. Whether the appellant/claimant is entitled to enhancement of compensation.
6. Perused the records in claim petition filed by the claimant before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal/Additional District Judge, Fast Track Court, Namakkal in MCOP No.300/2008 and the order passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
7. On perusal of the same, it is found that the amount granted as compensation for the injuries suffered by the claimant is found to be too low. Therefore, the claimant has filed this Appeal for 45% disability. The Doctor had not suffered functional disability and not affecting his avocation as a practising Doctor. In such circumstances, the contention of the claimant is found to be not acceptable. Any how, considering the disability, if Rs. 2,000/- is taken as compensation for each percentage, for 45%, it is Rs.90,000 (45x2000).
8. He would not have been able to attend to his regular work during the period of treatment and this Court fixes the monthly income of the claimant as Rs.15,000/-. Therefore, this court awards a sum of Rs.30,000/- towards loss of income during the period of treatment(i.e., 2 months). For attendant charges no amount was granted. Therefore, this Court awards a sum of Rs.10,000/- towards Attendant Charges. This Court awards a sum of Rs.10,000/- towards loss of amenities.
9. Considering the nature of injuries sustained by the claimant, this Court enhances the amount awarded under the head “Extra Nourishment” from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.15,000/-.
10. Since the appellant mark
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