UNION OF INDIA Vs. OINAM KEIRUNGBA MEETEI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. J. Singh, learned counsel for the appellant/Railways.

(2.) In this appeal the Railways have challenged the order dated 1.11.2004 passed by the Railway Claims Tribunal, Guwahati Bench in OA No. 394/2001 whereby the claimant was awarded a compensation of Rs. 4 lakhs for the death of a bonafide passenger along with the interest at 6% per annum from the date of filing of the application and a cost of Rs.2000/-.

(3.) In this appeal, the appellant has challenged the grant of interest only. It is submitted that the Railway Claims Tribunal Act 1987 does not provide for award of interest and the Tribunal erred in law in awarding interest from the date of application which according to the appellant was penal in nature. The submission was made that at best the interest may be made payable from the date of order only.