SUKHPAL KAUR Vs. HARDARSHAN SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order will dispose of F.A.O. Nos. 719 and 156 of 1998 as these appeals are directed against a common award of the Claims Tribunal.

(2.) Gurtej Singh died in a road accident which took place on 8.9.1996. In a claim petition filed by his father, mother and widow, seeking compensation for his death, Claims Tribunal came to the conclusion that Gurtej Singh died in the accident caused by rash and negligent driving of bus No. PJG 7397 owned by the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation, Sangrur by its driver Hardarshan Singh. Claims Tribunal on appreciation of evidence came to the conclusion that the deceased at the time of the accident was aged 24 years and he was a skilled labourer and earning a sum of Rs. 2,000 per month. Claims Tribunal after deducting a sum of Rs. 500 on account of his personal expenses, assessed the dependency of the claimants on the deceased at Rs. 1,500 per month and choosing a multiplier of 16, awarded a compensation of Rs. 2,88,000 with interest by its award dated 7.10.1997.

(3.) Dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation, Sukhpal Kaur, widow of the deceased filed F.A.O. No. 719 of 1998 seeking enhancement of compensation whereas F.A.O. No. 156 of 1998 has been filed by the owner of the offending bus, the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation, Sangrur, etc., challenging the award granting compensation in favour of the claimants.