IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AT HYDERABAD THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE C.V.BHASKAR REDDY M.A.C.M.A.No.1004 of 2019 DATE: 24.02.2026 Between:

United Insurance Co., Ltd., Rep by its Divisional Manager, Divisional Office, Godown Road, Nizamabad …..Appellant AND Pitla Anasuya and four others ….Respondents

JUDGMENT

This appeal is filed by the appellant/Insurance Company challenging the award dated 11.05.2010 passed in O.P. No. 244 of 2009 by theMotor Accidents Claims Tribunal-cum-Additional District and Sessions Judge at Kamareddy(for short “the Tribunal”), whereby the Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs.3,99,000/-for the death of one Pitla Arjun @ Nagarjun (hereinafter referred to as “the deceased”)

in a motor vehicle accident occurred on 02.05.2003.

2. Heard the submissions of learned counsel for both sides and perused the record.

3. The learned Standing Counsel for the appellant/Insurance Company contended that the Tribunal erred in holding the insurer liable, as the policy issued was only a package policy and no extra premium was paid to cover the risk of the pillion rider. It is further contended that the rider of the motorcycle did not possess a valid driving licence. Thus, the learned counsel prayed this Court to set aside the impugned award passed by the Tribunal.

4. On the other hand, learned counsel for the respondents- claimants contended that the Tribunal, after considering the oral evidence of PW.2 (eyewitness) and documentary evidence including the F.I.R (Ex.A1) and Inquest Panchanama (Ex.A2), rightly concluded that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the motorcycle bearing No.AP 25 H 5723. It is submitted that the quantum of compensation awarded by the Tribunal is just and reasonable and ultimately prayed to dismiss the appeal.

5. As seen from the material on record, the Tribunal framed specific issues regarding negligence and the entitlement of compensation. Based on the testimony of the eyewitness (PW.2), it has been established that the rider of the motorcycle lost control and hit a tractor trolley from behind due to high speed and negligent driving. Regarding the liability, the Tribunal relied upon judicial precedent holding that where a policy covers "one plus one" (rider and carrier), a pillion rider is entitled to insurance coverage. The Tribunal calculated the compensation using a multiplier of 16 for the 20-year-old deceased, assuming a monthly income of Rs.3,000/- based on daily wages. After deducting one-third for personal expenses, the loss of dependency was fixed at Rs.3,84,000/-, totaling Rs.3,99,000/- with funeral and transportation expenses. This Court finds no illegality or perversity in the well-reasoned order passed by the Tribunal.

6. In the result, this appeal is dismissed. No order as to costs.

As a sequel, the miscellaneous petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed.

________________________________ JUSTICE C.V.BHASKAR REDDY Date:24.02.2026 Bw