Settlements in motor accident compensation claims are enforceable, and courts can modify awards upon mutual agreement of parties.

JUDGMENT

This appeal is filed by the appellants in O.P.(MV) No.2478 of 2016 on the file of the Addl. District & Sessions Judge-VIII & Addl. Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Ernakulam. The said claim petition was filed by the appellants herein, claiming an amount of ₹50,00,000/- as compensation in a motor accident occurred on 07.06.2016. The Tribunal awarded an amount of ₹18,86,000/- as compensation under different heads, directing the respondent insurer to deposit the said amount along with interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of petition till the date of realization. Disputing the quantum of compensation awarded, the appellants have come up with this appeal.

2. Today, when the matter came up for consideration, the learned Counsel for the appellants as well as the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent insurer submitted that they have filed a joint statement dated 02.02.2026, wherein it is stated that the respondent/ insurer agreed to pay a further amount of ₹7,30,000/- (Rupees Seven lakhs thirty thousand only)

including interest as additional compensation in the above appeal. The said amount may be apportioned among us at the rate ordered by the trial court. The respondent hereby agrees to transfer the above amount to the Bank Account of the appellants and the respondent within a period of two months from the date of receipt of the copy of the judgment from the Honourable High Court of Kerala, failing which the said amount will carry interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of default. There is no threat, collusion, coercion or undue influence in arriving at the above settlement.

3. In the light of the joint statement filed by the parties, the impugned award is modified by directing the respondent/ insurance company to deposit an amount of ₹7,30,000/- (Rupees Seven lakhs thirty thousand only) including interest as additional compensation in the above appeal. The said amount may be apportioned among us at the rate ordered by the trial court, failing which, the said amount will carry interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of default. The claimants shall furnish copies of the PAN Card, AADHAAR Card and bank details before the respondent insurer within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment so as to enable the insurance company to make the deposit as ordered above. In case of failure to furnish details as above, it shall be open for the insurance company to deposit the said amount before the Tribunal.

The appeal is disposed of, in terms of the joint statement as above. The joint statement will form part of the judgment.

Sd/-