Renjima M.R vs The New India Assurance Company Limited on 25 June, 2025

0
4

Kerala High Court

Renjima M.R vs The New India Assurance Company Limited on 25 June, 2025

M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
                                        1

                                                     2025:KER:45638

               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                     PRESENT

                 THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE C.S. SUDHA

    WEDNESDAY, THE 25TH DAY OF JUNE 2025 / 4TH ASHADHA, 1947

                               MACA NO. 11 OF 2020

        AGAINST THE AWARD DATED 13.06.2019 IN OPMV NO.369 OF

2017 ON THE FILE OF THE MOTOR ACCIDENTS CLAIMS TRIBUNAL,

THRISSUR.

APPELLANT/3RD RESPONDENT:

               THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD.,
               CALICUT D.O.-II, SHAFEER COMPLEX,
               OPP. YMCA, KANNUR ROAD, KOZHIKODE - 673 001,
               REPRESENTED BY ITS ASSISTANT MANAGER,
               REGIONAL OFFICE, M.G. ROAD, ERNAKULAM.


               BY ADVS.
               SRI.GEORGE CHERIAN (SR.)
               SMT.K.S.SANTHI
               SMT.LATHA SUSAN CHERIAN



RESPONDENT/PETITIONER:
          RENJIMA M.R.,
          AGED 23 YEARS,
          D/O RAJAN M.K., MENOTH HOUSE, ALINTHAI,
          PERUMPILAVU, KARIKKAD P.O., THRISSUR DT. 680 519.


               BY ADVS.
               SRI.C.HARIKUMAR
               SRI.RENJITH RAJAPPAN


       THIS MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR
HEARING ON 12.06.2025, ALONG WITH MACA.2448/2020, THE COURT
ON 25.06.2025 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
 M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
                                        2

                                                      2025:KER:45638


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                     PRESENT

                 THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE C.S. SUDHA

    WEDNESDAY, THE 25TH DAY OF JUNE 2025 / 4TH ASHADHA, 1947

                              MACA NO. 2448 OF 2020

        AGAINST THE AWARD DATED 13.06.2019 IN OPMV NO.369 OF

2017 ON THE FILE OF THE MOTOR ACCIDENTS CLAIMS TRIBUNAL,

THRISSUR.

APPELLANT/PETITIONER:

               RENJIMA M.R.,
               AGED 23 YEARS,
               D/O.RAJAN M.K., MENOTH HOUSE, ALINTHAI,
               PERUMPILAVU, KARIKKAD P.O., THRISSUR - 680 519.


               BY ADVS.
               SRI.C.HARIKUMAR
               SRI.RENJITH RAJAPPAN

RESPONDENT/3RD RESPONDENT:

               THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED,
               D.O.-II, SHAFEER COMPLEX, OPPOSITE YMCA,
               KANNUR ROAD, KOZHIKODE - 673 001
               REPRESENTED BY ITS ASSISTANT MANAGER
               REGIONAL OFFICE, M.G.ROAD, ERNAKULAM - 682 016.


               BY ADVS.
               SMT.P.K.SANTHAMMA
               SMT.M.HEMALATHA


       THIS MOTOR ACCIDENTS CLAIMS APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR
HEARING ON 12.06.2025, ALONG WITH MACA.11/2020, THE COURT ON
25.06.2025 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
 M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
                                            3

                                                                     2025:KER:45638


                                   C.S.SUDHA, J.
                -----------------------------------------------------------
                        M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
                -----------------------------------------------------------
                       Dated this the 25th day of June 2025

                                   JUDGMENT

M.A.C.A.Nos.11 and 2448 of 2020 under Section 173 of the

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (the Act) have been filed by the third

respondent/insurer and the claim petitioner respectively in O.P.

(MV) No.369/2017 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims

Tribunal, Thrissur, (the Tribunal), aggrieved by the amount of

compensation granted by Award dated 13/06/2019. In these

appeals, the parties and the documents will be referred to as

described in the original petition.

2. According to the claim petitioner, on 19/11/2016

at 02:30 p.m., she was travelling as a passenger in car bearing

registration No.KL-11-AC-4307 through the Koottanad-Pattambi

public road and when she reached near Koottanad petrol pump, due

to the rash and negligent driving of the car by the driver, the car

collided with lorry bearing registration no.KL-09-AB-8413 coming
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
4

2025:KER:45638

from the opposite side, as a result of which, she sustained grievous

injuries. A sum of ₹1,85,00,000/- was claimed as compensation

under various heads.

3. The first respondent is the owner of the car. The

second respondent is the wife of the driver of the car who died in the

incident.

4. The third respondent/insurer filed written

statement admitting the existence of a valid policy for the car.

However, it was contended that the amount claimed was excessive.

5. Respondents 4 to 6 are the owner, driver and

insurer respectively of the lorry. The fourth and the fifth

respondents filed written statement contending that the accident

occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the car by its

driver.

6. The sixth respondent filed written statement

admitting valid insurance policy for the lorry.

7. Before the Tribunal, no oral evidence was adduced

by either side. Exts.A1 to A30 were marked on the side of the claim
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
5

2025:KER:45638

petitioner. Exts.B1 to B5 were marked on the side of the

respondents.

8. The Tribunal on consideration of the documentary

evidence and after hearing both sides, found that the accident

occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the driver of the

car owned by first respondent and hence awarded an amount of

₹70,15,550/- together with interest @ 8% per annum from the date

of the petition till realisation along with proportionate costs.

Aggrieved by the Award, the third respondent/insurer and the claim

petitioner have come up in appeals challenging the compensation

awarded.

9. The only point that arises for consideration in

these appeals is whether there is any infirmity in the findings of the

Tribunal calling for an interference by this Court.

10. Heard both sides.

11. The award of compensation by the Tribunal under

the following heads are challenged :

M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
6

2025:KER:45638

Notional income

The learned counsel for the claim petitioner relying on the

dictums in S.Vasanthi v. Adhiparasakthi Engineering College,

(2022) 15 SCC 316 ; Kumud Gupta v. Iffco Tokio General

Insurance Co. Ltd., 2024 KHC 8230: 2024 ACJ 658 and an

unreported judgment of a learned Single Judge of this Court dated

01/11/2024 in MACA No.1687/2021 (Syamala C. v. M/s. Royal

Sundaram Alliance Insurance Company Limited) submitted that

₹10,000/- fixed under this head is quite low and hence the same has

to be refixed by at least ₹25,000/- per month. Per contra, the learned

senior counsel appearing for the third respondent/insurer relying on

the dictum in Meena Pawaia v. Ashraf Ali, 2021 (6) KHC 596 :

(2021) 17 SCC 148 submitted that the amount that has been fixed is

reasonable and that it does not call for any interference.

11.1 In S.Vasanthi (Supra) the deceased was a 23 year

old Engineering graduate pursuing MBA. The Tribunal fixed the

notional income at ₹7,000/- which was raised to ₹10,000/- by the

High Court. In appeal, the Apex Court found that the claim
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
7

2025:KER:45638

petitioner therein, the mother of the deceased, had produced salary

certificates of the classmates of the deceased to substantiate her

claim that her deceased son would also have gotten a monthly salary

of approximately ₹40,000/- per month. This was not considered by

either the Tribunal or the High Court. The Apex Court taking into

account the evidence produced, fixed the notional income at

₹30,000/- per month.

11.2. In Kumud Gupta (Supra) the deceased was a

B.Tech student and the notional income was claimed to be

₹25,000/-. The High Court fixed the notional income at ₹20,000/-

which was confirmed by the Apex Court in appeal.

11.3. In Syamala C. (Supra) the deceased was a final

year B.Tech student. This Court relying on the dictums in

S.Vasanthi (Supra) and Kumud (Supra) fixed the notional income

at ₹25,000/- per month.

11.4. In Meena Pawaia (Supra) relied on by the learned

senior counsel appearing for the third respondent/insurer, the

deceased was a 21 year old 3rd year B.E. student. An amount of
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
8

2025:KER:45638

₹33,000/- was claimed as the income. The Tribunal fixed the

notional income at ₹15,000/- which was reduced by the High Court

to ₹5,000/-. In appeal, the Apex Court re-fixed the notional income

at ₹10,000/-.

12. The materials on record show that the claimant

herein was a young girl aged 21 years, an Engineering student

pursuing her 7th semester B.Tech at NSS College, Palakkad.

Exts.A18 to A22 show the academic brilliance of the claim

petitioner. Ext.A20 reveals that she was a JEE merit scholar and

accordingly she got admission in NSS College, Palakkad on all

India merit basis. That being the position, I find that the notional

income can be fixed at ₹25,000/- per month.

Future treatment and medical expenses and cost of artificial

limb

13. The learned senior counsel appearing for the third

respondent/insurer submitted that though an amount of ₹2,00,000/-

was claimed, an amount of ₹10,00,000/- towards future treatment

and medical expenses has been awarded by the Tribunal and
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
9

2025:KER:45638

therefore award of a further amount of ₹3,00,000/- towards cost of

artificial limb to be changed in future was not required. The cost of

the artificial limb that requires to be periodically changed can be

brought within the compensation awarded under the head future

treatment and medical expenses which have been adequately

compensated, goes the argument. Per contra, it was submitted by

the learned counsel for the claim petitioner that future treatment

expenses and the expenses incurred for replacing the artificial limb

are two distinct heads and hence the Tribunal has rightly granted

compensation under both the heads and therefore, there is no

infirmity calling for an interference in this case.

14. Here it would be apposite to refer to some

precedents of the Apex court on the point. In Sapna v. United India

Insurance Company Limited, 2008 KHC 4793: 2008 (7) SCC 61,

the claimant a 12-year-old girl was injured in a road accident which

occurred on 03.09.1999. Her left leg had to be amputated. It was

contended that a sum of ₹45,000/- had already been expended for

her treatment and that she still required to undergo treatment. She
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
10

2025:KER:45638

required another operation and an artificial limb. It was not disputed

that future treatment was necessary. However, there was no

evidence adduced to show the genuine and reasonable expenditure

that was likely to be incurred by her towards future treatment. In the

absence of any clear-cut estimate, a further sum of ₹ 75,000 under

the said head was granted.

14.1. In Narendra Singh v. Nishant Sharma: 2015

KHC 5382: 2015 (14) SCC 353, the claimant was a 22-year-old

who met with a road accident on 10.10.1998. His right leg below the

knee had to be amputated. The permanent disability was assessed as

60%. The Apex Court awarded an amount of ₹ 1,00,000 for medical

expenses as he had to survive with an artificial limb which required

replacement from time to time.

14.2. In Dinesh Singh v. Bajaj Allianz General

Insurance Co Ltd.: 2014 KHC 4294: 2014 (9) SCC 241, the

claimant was a B.E. degree holder in metallurgy, aged 24 years,

working as a quality engineer in Hospet Steels Limited, who met

with an accident on 13.04.2004. He sustained grievous and fracture
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
11

2025:KER:45638

injuries, due to which his left leg had to be amputated. The Tribunal

awarded an amount of ₹5,00,000/- towards future medical expenses.

Considering the fact that he required treatment and had to change

his artificial limb as and when required, the compensation was

enhanced by another ₹ 50,000/-.

14.3. In Govind Yadav v. New India Insurance

Company Limited, 2011 KHC 5000: 2011 (10) SCC 683, the

claimant was a 24-year-old man who met with an accident on

14.11.2004, pursuant to which his left leg had to be amputated.

Reference was made to the dictum in Nagappa v. Gurudayal

Singh, 2003 (2) SCC 274, wherein the question considered was

whether it was permissible to award compensation in instalments or

recurring compensation to meet the future medical expenses of the

victim. It was held that it would be difficult to hold that for future

medical expenses which are required to be incurred by a victim,

fresh award could be passed. However, for such medical treatment,

the court has to arrive at a reasonable estimate on the basis of the

evidence brought on record. In the said case it was pointed out that
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
12

2025:KER:45638

for replacing the artificial leg every two to three years, the claimant

would be required to have some sort of operation and change the

artificial leg. At that time, the estimated expense was ₹18,000 /-and

the High Court had awarded the said amount. But for change of

artificial leg every two or three years, no compensation was

awarded. It was held that if ₹1,00,000/- was awarded as additional

compensation, the claimant would be able to meet the future

expenses from the interest of the said amount. It was noticed that

after the aforesaid judgment, the cost of living as also the cost of

artificial limbs and expenses likely to be incurred for periodical

replacement of such limb had substantially increased. Therefore, a

sum of ₹2,00,000/- was awarded for future treatment. It was

observed that if the said amount was deposited in a fixed deposit,

the interest accruing on it would take care of the cost of artificial

limb, fees of the doctor and other ancillary expenses.

14.4. In Lal Singh Marabi v. National Insurance

Company Ltd.: 2017 KHC 2996, the claimant was a 29-year-old

who met with an accident on 13.04.2004. He sustained grievous
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
13

2025:KER:45638

injuries pursuant to which his left leg had to be amputated. The

Tribunal granted an amount of ₹ 60,000 for artificial limb and ₹

40,000 towards medical expenses. The Apex Court raised the

amount towards the cost of the artificial limb to ₹ 1,00,000/-.

15. In the case on hand, there are no materials on

record to assess the expenses that would be incurred for future

treatment. The injuries sustained by the claim petitioner evidenced

by the materials on record are-

“Closed fracture both bone proximal third of right leg,
closed fracture both bone proximal third of left leg with
absent distal vascularity with rigor mortis of left foot and
lacerated wound over right eyebrow and right sub
mandibular region, scalp hematoma ; left leg above knee
amputation with wound debridement and primary skin
suturing of lacerated wounds were done ; closed reduction
and interlocking and nailing of right tibia was done;
complete damage of peroneal arteries from mid leg level
left.”

It cannot be disputed that the injuries are grievous. The left leg of

the claim petitioner had to be amputated below the hip. Therefore,

she requires an artificial limb which will have to be changed

periodically. The claim petitioner has filed I.A.No.2/2024 to receive
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
14

2025:KER:45638

Annexure R1(a) to substantiate her claim that further compensation

is required to be awarded for purchase of an artificial limb which

needs to be changed every 5 to 7 years. Annexure R1(a) dated

29/12/2023 shows that the cost would come to ₹18,82,188/-. The

prayer for receiving this document in evidence is opposed by the

learned senior counsel appearing for the third respondent/insurer

who submitted that Annexure R1(a) series is only an invoice and not

a bill and therefore, the same cannot be relied on.

16. As rightly pointed out by the learned Senior

counsel for the third respondent/insurer, Annexure R1(a) is only an

invoice of the year 2023. By this time, the claim petitioner must

have purchased a prosthesis. But the same has not been produced.

Ext.A15 utilisation certificate dated 23/02/2018 has been issued by

the same company which has issued Annexure R1(a). Ext.A15

certificate reads thus –

“UTILISATION CERTIFICATE
Date: 23.02.2018
This is certified that Ms. Renjima (D/o MK Rajan, Menoth House,
Perumpilavu P.O, Thrissur) (Reg No: 1701365ER) is Above Knee
amputee and she registered in Endolite India Ltd at Ernakulam for
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
15

2025:KER:45638

fixing the artificial leg. We undertaken the assessment and
measurement, fitted the prosthetic Leg. Modular advanced Smart
Intelligent prosthesis.

For above prosthetic leg the maintenance is required in every year
as below details with cost.

The components have to be change in every year-Socket, foot, Belt,
Socks, AK fairing, Battery, Gel liner, Total Amount Rs. 131460/-
(Including GST 5%).”

It is stated that the prosthesis has to be changed every 5 to 7 years.

The claim petitioner was only 21 years when the incident took place

in the year 2016. Therefore, she may have to change the artificial

limb a few times in the years to come. In the light of Ext.A15, the

claim for ₹10,00,000/- made in the petition towards the cost of

artificial limb to be changed in future seems reasonable. This

amount can be deposited in a fixed deposit, the interest of which can

be utilized for meeting the expenses towards future treatment and

cost of artificial limb. Hence, no separate amount need be awarded

under expenses for future treatment.

Compensation for continuing or permanent disability and

compensation for loss of earning power

17. An amount of ₹24,48,000/- has been granted by
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
16

2025:KER:45638

the Tribunal as compensation for continuing or permanent disability

and a further amount of ₹5,00,000/- towards loss of earning power.

It was submitted by the learned senior counsel appearing for the

third respondent/insurer that when an amount of ₹24,48,000/- has

been granted under the first head, a further amount under the second

head was unnecessary because the second head comes within the

first head, that is, compensation for continuing or permanent

disability. Per contra, it is submitted by the learned counsel for the

claim petitioner that the Tribunal relying on the decisions of the

Apex court has rightly granted compensation under both the heads

and so there is no infirmity calling for an interference by this Court.

It was also pointed out that though Ext.A14 report of the medical

board shows the permanent disability as 80%, the Tribunal ought to

have accepted A28 disability certificate which shows that the

permanent physical disability caused is 82% .

18. The Apex Court in Raj Kumar v. Ajay Kumar,

(2011)1 SCC 343 followed in Anthony Swami v. M.D., KSRTC,

(2020)7 SCC 161 has explained the heads under which
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
17

2025:KER:45638

compensation is awarded in personal injury cases as :

Pecuniary damages (Special Damages)

(i) Expenses relating to treatment, hospitalization, medicines,

transportation, nourishing food, and miscellaneous expenditure.

(ii) Loss of earnings (and other gains) which the injured would

have made had he not been injured, comprising:

(a) Loss of earning during the period of treatment.

(b) Loss of future earnings on account of permanent disability.

(iii) Future medical expenses.

Non – pecuniary damages (General Damages)

(iv) Damages for pain, suffering and trauma as a consequence

of the injuries.

(v) Loss of amenities (and / or loss of prospects of marriage).

(vi) Loss of expectation of life (shortening of normal

longevity).

In routine personal injury cases, compensation will be awarded

only under heads (i), (ii)(a) and (iv). It is only in serious cases of

injury, where there is specific medical evidence corroborating the
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
18

2025:KER:45638

evidence of the claimant, that compensation will be granted under

any of the heads (ii)(b), (iii), (v) and (vi) relating to loss of future

earnings on account of permanent disability, future medical

expenses, loss of amenities (and / or loss of prospects of marriage)

and loss of expectation of life. The Apex Court has lucidly set out

the principles for grant of compensation in cases of permanent

physical functional disability as follows: Where the claimant suffers

a permanent disability as a result of injuries, the assessment of

compensation under the head of loss of future earnings would

depend upon the effect and impact of such permanent disability on

his earning capacity. The Tribunal should not mechanically apply

the percentage of permanent disability as the percentage of

economic loss or loss of earning capacity. In most of the cases, the

percentage of economic loss, that is, the percentage of loss of

earning capacity, arising from a permanent disability will be

different from the percentage of permanent disability. Some

Tribunals wrongly assume that in all cases, a particular extent

(percentage) of permanent disability would result in a corresponding
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
19

2025:KER:45638

loss of earning capacity, and consequently, if the evidence produced

show 45% as the permanent disability, will hold that there is 45%

loss of future earning capacity. In most of the cases, equating the

extent (percentage) of loss of earning capacity to the extent

(percentage) of permanent disability will result in award of either

too low or too high a compensation. Ascertainment of the effect of

the permanent disability on the actual earning capacity involves

three steps. The Tribunal has to first ascertain what activities the

claimant could carry on despite the permanent disability and what he

could not do as a result of the permanent disability (this is also

relevant for awarding compensation under the head of loss of

amenities of life). The second step is to ascertain his avocation,

profession and nature of work before the accident, as also his age.

The third step is to find out whether (i) the claimant is totally

disabled from earning any kind of livelihood, or (ii) whether in spite

of the permanent disability, the claimant could still effectively carry

on the activities and functions, which he was earlier carrying on, or

(iii) whether he was prevented or restricted from discharging his
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
20

2025:KER:45638

previous activities and functions, but could carry on some other or

lesser scale of activities and functions so that he continues to earn or

can continue to earn his livelihood.

19. In the case on hand, the Tribunal relying on the

dictums in Manickam S. v. Metropolitan Transport Corp. Ltd.,

2013 KHC 4472 : (2013)12 SCC 603 and Sandeep Khanuja v.

Atul Dande, I (2017) ACC 438 (SC) awarded a sum of

₹24,48,000/- (₹15,000/- x 80/100 x 17x 12) towards compensation

for permanent disability and ₹5,00,000/- towards loss of earning

capacity. In Manickam S. (Supra) the question which arose for

consideration was whether compensation in a motor vehicle accident

case is payable to a claimant for both heads, viz., loss of

earning/earning capacity as well as permanent disability. The right

leg below the knee of the claimant therein was amputated and his

permanent disability was assessed as 85%. The High Court held that

if the injured is compensated for loss of earning and loss of earning

capacity, compensation need not be awarded separately for

permanent disability and went on to deduct ₹1,00,000/-, awarded
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
21

2025:KER:45638

under the head ‘permanent disability’, from the total award.

Referring to the dictums in Ramesh Chandra v. Randhir Singh,

1990 KHC 520 : (1990) 3 SCC 723 and B.Kothandapani v. Tamil

Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited, 2011 KHC 4500 :

(2011) 6 SCC 420 the Apex court held that separate compensation

under the head permanent disability can be granted even after grant

of compensation under loss of earning/earning capacity and that the

High Court was not justified in disallowing the claim under the head

permanent disability when the claimant therein had sustained 85%

permanent disability by way of amputation of his right leg below the

knee.

19.1. In Sandeep Khanuja (Supra), the Apex Court

adopted the computation laid down in Rajkumar (Supra) for

computing assessment of future loss of earnings due to permanent

disability.

20. There can be no doubt that the claim petitioner in

the case on hand is entitled to compensation under (ii)(b), (iii), (v)

and (vi) under the heads pecuniary damages and non pecuniary
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
22

2025:KER:45638

damages referred to in paragraph no.18 of the judgment. Hence as

held in Rajkumar (Supra), under the head Pecuniary damages

(Special Damages), the claimant is entitled to loss of earnings

which she would have made had she not been injured, comprising of

loss of earning during the period of treatment and loss of future

earnings on account of permanent disability. In the light of the

aforesaid dictums of the Apex court, it is clear that compensation in

personal injury cases can be awarded for loss of earning/earning

capacity as well as permanent disability. In the case on hand, as

noticed earlier the Tribunal granted an amount of ₹24,48,000/-

towards compensation for continuing or permanent disability;

₹5,00,000/- towards loss of earning power and an amount of

₹1,00,000/- towards loss of earnings. When compensation towards

loss of earnings and compensation for continuing or permanent

disability have been granted separately, a further amount under loss

of earning power could not have been granted by the Tribunal as the

said component comes within the compensation granted for

continuing or permanent disability. Hence the amount of ₹5,00,000/-
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
23

2025:KER:45638

granted towards loss of earning power is liable to be deducted.

21. Ext.A14, the District Disability Board Certificate

dated 14/09/2017 issued by the General Hospital, Thrisuur, shows

the permanent disability caused to be 80%. The Tribunal accepted

Ext.A14 and fixed the permanent disability at 80%. Ext.A28 is a

disability certificate that has been issued by a retired Additional

Professor, Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Thrissur,

dated 06/10/2018 stating that her permanent physical disability is

82%. It was submitted by the learned counsel for the claim

petitioner that the Medical Board in Ext.A14 has not explained or

given in detail the disability sustained by the claim petitioner and

hence the reason why Ext.A28 was obtained, which gives a detailed

assessment of her disability and so Ext.A28 may be made the basis

for assessment of disability.

22. In the light of Ext.A14, which is admittedly issued

by a Medical Board constituted by the General Hospital, Thrissur,

consisting of 5 experts, Physiatrist, Orthopaedician,

Ophthalmologist, ENT Surgeon and a Psychiatrist, I find that the
M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
24

2025:KER:45638

Tribunal was right in relying on Ext.A14 and assessing the disability

as 80%.

23. The Tribunal took 17 as the multiplier. It is

submitted by both sides that the correct multiplier that needs to be

applied is 18 and not 17. Therefore, the multiplier shall be corrected

as 18.

24. The impugned Award is modified to the following

extent :

Sl. Head of claim Amount Amount Modified in
No. claimed Awarded by appeal
Tribunal
1 Loss of earning ₹4,80,000/- ₹1,00,000/- ₹1,00,000/-

(No Modification)
2 Loss of earning ₹4,80,000/- — —

      next one year                                             (No modification)
 3    Transportation                ₹50,000/-     ₹50,000/-         ₹50,000/-
      expenses                                                  (No modification)
 4    Extra                         ₹50,000/-     ₹50,000/-         ₹50,000/-
      nourishment                                               (No modification)
 5    Damage to                     ₹5,000/-       ₹1,000/-         ₹1,000/-
      clothing etc.                                             (No modification)
 6    Medical expenses             ₹3,00,000/-   ₹8,61,550/-       ₹8,61,550/-
                                                                (No modification)
 7    Bystander's                   ₹30,000/-      ₹5,000/-         ₹5,000/-
      expenses                                                  (No modification)
 8    Future treatment             ₹2,00,000/-   ₹10,00,000/-       Deducted
      and medical
      expenses
 M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
                                            25

                                                                 2025:KER:45638

 9    Personal                     ₹2,00,000/-    ₹2,00,000/-       ₹2,00,000/-
      assistance                                                 (No modification)
10 Future personal                 ₹3,00,000/-         --              --
   attendance                                                    (No modification)
11 Compensation                    ₹2,00,000/-         --              --
   cost of                                                       (No modification)
   physiotherapy
12 Cost of wheel                    ₹50,000/-          --              --
   chair                                                         (No modification)
13 Cost of special                  ₹50,000/-          --              --
   dress                                                         (No modification)
14 Cost of artificial              ₹10,00,000/-   ₹3,00,000/-       ₹10,00,000/-
   limb (to be                                                   (including future
   changed in future)                                               expenses for
                                                                     treatment)
15 Cost of jacket to                ₹25,000/-          --              --
   be worn on wheel                                              (No modification)
   chair
16 Pain and suffering              ₹10,00,000/-   ₹5,00,000/-       ₹5,00,000/-
                                                                 (No modification)
17 Compensation for                ₹90,00,000/-   ₹24,48,000/-     ₹64,80,000/-
   continuing or
   permanent                                                     (₹25,000/-
   disability                                                    +50%)x 12x
                                                                 18x80%
18 Compensation for                ₹23,80,000/-   ₹5,00,000/-       Deducted as
   the loss of earning                                              included in
   power                                                           column no.17
19 Compensation for                ₹5,00,000/-    ₹3,00,000/-       ₹3,00,000/-
   disfigurement                                                 (No modification)
20 Loss of amenities               ₹10,00,000/-   ₹2,00,000/-       ₹2,00,000/-
   and enjoyment of                                              (No modification)
   life
21 Compensation for                ₹2,00,000/-    ₹1,00,000/-       ₹1,00,000/-
   shortened                                                     (No modification)
   expectancy of life
22 Compensation for                ₹10,00,000/-   ₹3,00,000/-       ₹3,00,000/-
 M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
                                              26

                                                                   2025:KER:45638

      loss of marriage                                             (No modification)
      prospects
23 Compensation for                     ---          ₹1,00,000/-      ₹1,00,000/-
   loss of classes and                                             (No modification)
   reduction
       Total                       ₹1,85,00,000/-   ₹70,15,550/-     ₹1,02,47,550/-



                  In      the          result,      M.A.C.A.No.11/2020         and

M.A.C.A.No.2448/2020 are disposed of as above stated, by

enhancing the compensation by a further amount of ₹32,32,000/-

(total compensation is ₹1,02,47,550/-, that is, ₹70,15,550/- granted

by the Tribunal + ₹32,32,000/- granted in appeal) with interest at the

rate of 8% per annum from the date of petition till date of realization

(excluding the period of 129 days delay in re-presenting the appeal)

and proportionate costs. The third respondent/insurance company is

directed to deposit the aforesaid amount before the Tribunal within a

period of 60 days from the date of receipt of a copy of the judgment.

On deposit of the amount, the Tribunal shall disburse the amount to

the claim petitioner at the earliest in accordance with law after

making deductions, if any.

M.A.C.A.Nos. 11 and 2448 of 2020
27

2025:KER:45638

Interlocutory applications, if any pending, shall stand

closed.

SD/-

C.S. SUDHA
JUDGE

ak



Source link

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here