NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD Vs. RAJAN KRISHNAN NAIR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Third respondent insurance company is challenging the award passed by Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Kalpetta in favour of first respondent claimant in O.P.(MV).916/2000 who sustained injury in a motor accident on 5/3/2000 at about 1.45 p.m. Award was challenged on the ground that first respondent sustained only a swelling on left side of forehead as is clear from Ext.A3 wound certificate and compensation of Rs.15,400/- awarded is excessive.

(2.) Adv.Mr.Antony appeared for respondent. Learned counsel appearing for appellant and respondent were heard.

(3.) Ext.A3 wound certificate (copy of which was made available by learned counsel appearing for appellant) shows that the only injury sustained by appellant was swelling on left side of forehead. It does not show that respondent was even treated as inpatient. In the nature of injury there is no necessity to treat him as inpatient. No other evidence was adduced by respondent to show expenses for transportation or for treatment. Unfortunately, Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs.5,000/- for loss of earnings, Rs.300/- for damages to clothing, Rs.600/- for extra nourishment, Rs.500/- for transportation charges and Rs.1,000/- for by-standers expenses. The award is undoubtedly, unconstitutionally excessive. Award is therefore set aside. Respondent is entitled to get compensation of Rs.3,000/- for pain and sufferings and Rs.1,500/- towards treatment expenses, damages to clothing, transportation charges etc. Respondent is entitled to get only a compensation of Rs.4,500/-.