RAJNI RANI Vs. OM PRAKASH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is directed against the order dated September 27, 1990 passed by the Commissioner, Workmen's Compensation, Ambala, by which respondent No. 2 (United India Insurance Company Limited) has been directed to deposit a sum of Rs. 81,540 as death compensation as per Schedule IV to the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 (hereinafter called "the Act" ).

(2.) THE material facts giving rise to the present appeal may be stated at the outset so as to appreciate the merits and challenge against them:

(3.) LEARNED counsel for the appellants, while not disputing the correctness of the amount of compensation (Rs. 81,540), as calculated by the Commissioner, contended that, in view of the provisions of Section 4-A of the Act, the appellants are not only entitled to interest at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum from the date of the accident but the respondents are also liable to pay penalty to the extent of fifty per cent. of the amount of compensation. Section 4-A of the Act reads as under: