Illamaran and Others vs Paramount Heavy Carriers and Others

N. Kirubakaran, J—Both the insurance company as well as claimant are before this court challenging the award passed by the Tribunal in the claim petition filed by the injured in the accident which occurred on 10.10.2005 fastening the liability on the insurance company and determining the compensation of Rs. 10,26,900/-.

Heard the learned counsel appearing for the Insurance Company and Mr. F. Terry Chellaraja, the learned counsel appearing for the claimant.

The parties are referred to as above. While the claimant was working in the company, he was hit by the crane insured with the appellant insurance company, driven rash and negligently, resulting in amputation of right leg above the knee. The Tribunal, came to the conclusion that the accident occurred because of rash and negligent driving of the crane and fastened the liability on the Insurance Company.

The question to be decided is with regard to the quantum. It is seen that the claimant lost his right leg above the knee. Based on P.W. 3 Doctor''s evidence and Ex. P6, disability certificate, the Tribunal determined the disability at 65%. According to the learned counsel for the appellant the said determination is on the higher side. However, Mr. F. Terry Chellaraja, the learned counsel appearing for the first respondent would point out as per the Workmen Compensation Act, for amputation above the joint would result 70% disability. Therefore, as per the Workmen Compensation Act, this court redetermines the disability at 70%. Monthly income of Rs. 4,500/- was rightly determined by the Tribunal, as the claimant was working as a cleaner at the time of accident.

The claimant was aged 21 years at the time of accident and therefore, as per judgment of the Hon''ble Supreme Court in Smt. Sarla Verma and Others Vs. Delhi Transport Corporation and Another, (2009) ACJ 1298 : AIR 2009 SC 3104 : (2009) CLT 1055 : (2009) 6 JT 495 : (2009) 6 SCALE 129 : (2009) 6 SCC 121 : (2009) 5 SCR 1098 : (2009) 5 UJ 2280 : (2009) AIRSCW 4992 : (2009) 3 Supreme 487 , 50% is required to be added as future prospect. If 50% future prospect is added, the income would be Rs. 4500/- + 50% = 6750. The age of the claimant was 21 years and the appropriate multiplier is 18.

Though the learned counsel for the claimant would state that there is 100% loss of income, this court confirms the loss of income as per 70% disability. The loss of income is determined as follows:

Rs. 4500/- + 50% X 70/100 X 18 X 12 = Rs. 10,20,600/-.

Rs. 36,000/- awarded towards loss of income for six months during the period of treatment; Rs. 10,000/- awarded towards transportation; Rs. 15000/- awarded towards extra-nourishment; Rs. 1,69,200/- awarded as per Ex. P4, medical bills towards medical expenses; Rs. 1,00,000/- awarded towards pain and suffering; Rs. 1,00,000/- awarded towards loss of amenities are confirmed. Towards attender charges no amount was awarded and hence Rs. 5,000/- is awarded. Since the claimant lost his leg, possibility of getting marriage is very bleak and no lady would come forward to marry a physically handicapped person. Therefore, Rs. 50,000/- is awarded towards loss of marital prospects. The award of the Tribunal Rs. 10,26,900/- is enhanced to Rs. 15,05,800/- rounded of to Rs. 15,06,000/- with 7.5 % interest per annum.

In view of the above, the appeal filed by the claimant namely C.M.A. No. 2087 of 2012 is partly allowed and the appeal filed by the insurance company namely C.M.A. No. 2087 of 2012 is dismissed. No costs. Consequently the connected M.P. Nos. 1 and 1 of 2012 are closed.

The appellant is directed to deposit the entire award amount as per the order of this court along with interest and costs after deducting the amount already deposited, within four weeks from the date of the receipt of a copy of the order. On such deposit, 50% of the award amount alone is directed to be withdrawn by the claimant. The balance 50% of the award amount is directed to be kept in interest bearing fixed deposit in Indian Bank, High Court Branch, Chennai, even atleast for a period of six years. The claimant is permitted to withdraw the occurred interest once every two months.