NARAYANAN NAIR Vs. UNION OF INDIA UOI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition seeks to challenge an order passed by the Commissioner for Workmen's Compensation on 17-9-1987 awarding a sum of Rs.84,000/- by way of compensation to the applicant before him.

(2.) S.30 of the Workmen's Compensation Act provides an appeal before this Court, subject to the conditions contained therein. In the case of an employer, he is bound to deposit the amount awarded by the Commissioner before availing of the appeal. This provision is challenged by the petitioner as ultra vires.

(3.) I am not satisfied that the challenge is substantial enough. Under the scheme of the Workmen's Compensation Act, any serious injury to him has to be compensated, and quickly too. Time was when even an illness for a small spell of time, could shut out the flame of life in a workman's family. With the main candle shut out, the family itself will be in gloom and left in the cold. A summary procedure is therefore . provided under a benign enactment, so that the workman or his family in dire distress could get some support or solace from the employer or his contractor. The selection of the employment to which the Act is applicable, is indicative of an application of mind on the part of the authorities to all the relevant factors. Segments of accident prone activity are particularly noted where a workman plods along hazardous precipice of potential injury. It is only proper that he or his family is protected by quick first aids or effective treatments. Medical treatment is by itself insufficient. Economic treatment is of as much value.