NEW INDIA ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD Vs. CHANDRAWATI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal, filed on behalf of the New India Assurance Company, is directed against the award of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Karnal, dated April 16, 1983, whereby a sum of Rs. 76,800 was allowed as compensation to the heirs of the deceased, Jai Narain, out of which the insurance company was held liable to the extent of Rs. 50,000 only.

(2.) THE accident took place on June 12, 1982. The deceased, Jai Narain, was driving a three-wheeler while Faqir Chand was driving the offending tractor-trolley bearing No. 4501. The claim petition was filed by the widow of the deceased and his three minor children. The Tribunal ultimately found that the accident in question had taken place due to rash and negligent driving of the driver of the tractor-trolley. The annual dependency allowance of the deceased was determined to be Rs. 4,800 and by applying a multiplier of sixteen, a sum of Rs. 76,800 was awarded as compensation. As observed earlier, out of this amount, the insurance company was held liable to pay to the extent of Rs. 50,000 only.

(3.) AT the time of motion hearing, reliance was placed on Smt. Chhanno Devi v. Het Ram [1983] PLR 584 ; [1986] 59 Comp Cas 941, to contend that since the offending tractor was being misused for carrying the marriage party and it being in violation of the terms of the policy, the insurance company was not liable for payment of any compensation. The liability, if any, was that of the owner. However, later, vide order dated March 1, 1984, the application for stay was declined on the ground that Smt. Chhanno Devi's case [1983] PLR 584 ; [1986] 59 Comp Cas 941, was prima facie not applicable to the present case because, therein, the occupant of the truck had died in the accident whereas in the present case the claim was made by a third party, i. e. , the driver of the three-wheeler against which the truck had hit.