RELIANCE GENERAL INSURANCE CO LTD Vs. SALOCHNA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this appeal, the appellant-insurance company challenges the quantum of compensation awarded to the respondents-claimants for the unfortunate death of Pritam Singh alias Preeta, in a motor vehicle accident that took place on May 15, 2014.

(2.) As regards the compensation awarded, firstly, it is to be noticed that the claimants before the Tribunal were 6 in number , being the widow, 4 children and mother of the deceased, with two of the children, i.e. respondents no.4 and 5, shown to be minors as on the date of the accident.

(3.) Though the respondent-claimants had contended that deceased Pritam Singh was working as Fish Farmer, earning Rs.20,000.00 per month, however, no evidence is seen to have been led to support that claim and consequently the income of the deceased was taken to be that of an unskilled labourer, i.e. Rs.8100.00 per month, at the time of his accident, in terms of wages fixed by the District Collector for the period from 1/3/2014 to 28/2/2015. To that amount was added 30% towards loss of future prospects of an increased income (an amount of Rs.2430.00 per month), with the monthly income of the deceased therefore assessed to be Rs.10,530.00 per month.