SHISHU PAL @ SHISH RAM Vs. SURJEET

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) This appeal primarily presents two vexing issues. The claimant 's struggle for compensation is two-and-a-half decades old. In other words, delay is front and centre in this case. The other issue presented is the monetisation of a homemaker 's efforts since the deceased (wife of the claimant) was a homemaker. We may only ask ourselves when in Indian society, the 'woman of the house ' is called the 'grihaswamini ', then why n are we still groping in the dark about the questions such as the one present in this case.

(3.) The fact of the accident having taken place on 25/11/2001 while the deceased was on her way to Fatehabad, from Sirsa due to the rash and negligent driving of respondent no.1, is not in dispute. The Tribunal [Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Sirsa] allowed Claim Petition No.126/MACT of 2001, preferred by her legal heirs by order dtd. 18/12/2003 and awarded Rs.2,42,000.00 only. The claimants approached the High Court [ FAO No.1627 of 2004] seeking enhancement thereof. A learned Single Judge allowing FAO-1627-2004 vide order dtd. 11/12/2024 enhanced the said compensation to Rs.8,43,400.00 along with 7.5% interest from the date of filing of the claim petition. It was further clarified that should the said payment be not made within three months, the rate of interest would stand enhanced to 9% per annum and further if the amount is not paid within six months, enhancement shall be with interest @ 12% per annum.