STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. SHAKUNTALA RANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) On 20.10.1993, Kishan Dev Singh and others were travelling from Phillaur to Ludhiana on a three wheeler tempo No. PJM-4258 which was being driven by one Gurdip Singh, when this three wheeler tempo reached opposite Gandhi Nature Care Ashram on GT Road about 150 yards beyond the Satlej Bridge, a bus No. PB-12/9603 belonging to Punjab Roadways Depot No. II Jullundur being driven by Surinder Singh at a very high speed, rashly and negligently came from the opposite side and dashed against the three wheeler tempo. As a result of the mishap, Kishan Dev Singh and Gurdip Singh etc. died. This mishap gave rise to four claim applications under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, Smt. Shakuntla Rani widow of Kishan Dev Singh, his minor children and his mother filed claim application namely Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal No. 153 of 1996 under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Jalandhar allowed a sum of Rs. 2,27,000/- as compensation payable to Shakuntla Rani and other claimants.

(2.) Not satisfied with the amount of compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Jalandhar to them, they came up to this Court in FAO No. 1360 of 1998.

(3.) As it was felt that the claim can be better adjudicated if negotiated before the Lok Adalat, this FAO No. 1360 of 1998 was put up before the Lok Adalat. The Lok Adalat, vide order dated 14.9.2000 has proposed a sum of Rs. 4,11,280/- to be awarded to the claimants with interest at the rate of 12% per annum from the date of claim application till payment.