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Judgment
R.K.Gauba, J
Jaswinder Singh, aged 27 years old, died in a motor vehicular accident that occurred on the night intervening 9th & 10th September, 2014, on
account of negligent driving of tanker bearing registration No.DL-1M-6365, admittedly insured against third party risk with the appellant insurance
company. In the accident, one Balak Singh had also suffered injuries. Two accident claim cases were filed including one (MACP No.11/2015) seeking
compensation on account of death of Jaswinder Singh, the other being for injuries suffered by Balak Singh. Both claim cases were clubbed and, after
inquiry, decided by the tribunal by common judgment dated 28.01.2017. In the case of death, the tribunal awarded total sum of Rs.31,79,000/- directing
the insurer to pay with interest @ 9% per annum, the said amount inclusive of loss of dependency, it having been calculated with the element of future
prospects of increase being added.
The appeal by the insurer is pressed only to question the addition of element of future prospects of increase. It is, however, noted that the claimants
had proved through Rakesh Kumar (PW-3) the proprietor of M/s. Hardik Travels that the deceased was a regular employee of the said entity, the
terms of engagement whereof clearly showed the element of progressive rise in income.
Having regard to the irrefutable evidence brought on record showing progressive rise in the income from the salary, element of future prospects of
increase cannot be grudged [see judgment dated 28.03.2016 in MAC.APP. 548/2013 United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Kamla & Ors.].
The appeal is dismissed.
By order dated 02.05.2017, the insurance company had been directed to deposit the awarded amount with interest after holding back Rs.8.5 lakhs.
The amount directed to be deposited was allowed to be released. The insurer is now directed to satisfy the balance of its liability under the impugned
judgment by requisite deposit with the tribunal within thirty days.
The statutory amount shall be refunded after proof of award having been satisfied is shown.