AMAR NATH Vs. THAKUR SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) AMAR Nath appellant has filed this appeal against the award dated October 30,1984, given by Shri R.S. Sharma, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal Ropar, wherein a compensation of Rs. 19,200/- has been granted to the claimant for the accidental death of his son Ranjit Singh.

(2.) IN a nutshell, the claimant's case was that on January 30,1984 at about 3.00 p.m. deceased Ranjit Singh was travelling from Ropar to his village in bus No. PUB-7833 driven by Thakur Singh respondent No. 1 and owned by respondents 2 and 3. Respondent No. 1 was driving the bus rashly and negligently. When the bus reached near the bridge of Bhakra-Sirsa canal due to excessive speed, respondent No. 1 lost control over the bus and it fell into the canal, thereby causing death of about 70 passengers. Claimant's son Ranjit Singh was one of them. Head Constable Gurmit Singh and Constable Gian Singh were the eye-witnesses of this accident. Gurmit Singh lodged the report and a criminal case was registered thereupon. At the time of accident Ranjit Singh was aged about 18 years and he was earning Rs. 1,000/-per month from dairy fanning as well as by working as a carpenter. Claimant' sage is 65 years. He is the only legal heir of Ranjit Singh, who was having brilliant prospects in life. Hence he claimed Rs. 2 lacs as compensation.

(3.) THE Claims Tribunal arrived at a finding that at the time of accident the deceased was aged 18 years; the claimant is aged 65 years, the deceased was earning Rs. 1,000/- per month; dependency is assessed at Rs. 200/- and applying multiplier of 8, compensation of Rs. 19,200/- was awarded.