MANIKUTTAN T R Vs. M N BABY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Appeals are filed against the common award of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Thodupuzha granting compensation to the appellant for the death of his wife and for injuries sustained by him in the very same road accident.

(2.) The appellant, while travelling in a motorbike with his pregnant wife as pillion rider was knocked down by a bus which led to the death of his wife and injury to himself. Separate claims were filed by the appellant, one claiming compensation for the injury sustained by him and another claiming compensation for the death of his wife in the accident. The mother of the deceased got herself impleaded as additional 4th respondent in the claim petition filed by the appellant claiming compensation for the death of his wife. The Tribunal awarded compensation in both the cases and by upholding the claim of the additional 4th respondent, namely, the mother of the deceased, a portion of the compensation was ordered to be paid to her. In the separate appeals filed by the appellant claiming enhanced compensation, the mother of the deceased though respondent also claims the same relief.

(3.) We have heard Counsel appearing for the appellant, Standing Counsel for the Insurance Company and Counsel appearing for additional 4th respondent, the mother of the deceased.