STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. HARJIT SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) The respondent who is working as a constable was driving the vehicle - Maruti Gypsy belonging to the police department of the State of Punjab and the said vehicle met with an accident as a result of which one Suresh Kumar along with his wife named Poonam Uppal suffered injuries. Subsequently, Suresh Kumar succumbed to the same. A claim petition was filed before the motor accident claim tribunal which was allowed. An award was made on 25.4.1997 granting compensation of Rs. 3,84,000. 00 with interest at the rate of 12% per annum from the date of the petition till payment was awarded to the claimant.

(3.) It was alleged that a sum of Rs. 5,84,00. 00 (sic) (including interest) has been paid by the government to the claimant pursuant to the direction given in the award made by the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal. A show-cause notice was issued to the respondent asking him as to why the aforesaid amount be not recovered from his salary. He filed a reply and after an inquiry the senior superintendent of police directed effecting the recovery of the said amount in monthly installments of Rs. 2,000. 00 per month and the balance to be deducted from his D. C. R. G. and other pensionary benefits.