SWARAN KAUR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appeal FAO No. 819 of 1998 is for enhancement of compensation for death of a male aged 43 years. The claimants were widow, three sons and two daughters of whom two sons were minors. The deceased was said to be a owner of an Auto rickshaw and was also engaged in running dhaba. He was an income tax assessee. The copy of returns filed showed that he had earned Rs. 52,220/- yearly. The court rejected this evidence since no official from income tax department was examined. I reject the reasoning and take the document as affording sufficient proof of his income status, make a provision for increase by 30% and apply a multiplier of 14 to assess the loss of dependence. I will make a provision for loss of consortium at Rs. 1 lac and loss of love and affection for two minor children at Rs. 2 lacs. The various heads of claim are tabulated as under :-

(2.) The award stands modified and the appeal by the claimant FAI No. 819 of 1998 is allowed.

(3.) There is no representation for the appellants in FAO No. 1091 of 1998. The appeal is dismissed for default of appearance and non-prosecution.