KANTA DEVI Vs. KUBER DUTT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE only dispute in this case is whether the Commissioner Workmen's Compensation could have directed that in case the Insurance Company deposits the amount within 60 days of the order it will not be liable to pay interest under the provisions of the Workmens Compensation Act.

(2.) AN employer is required to pay the amount due under the Act within one month of the accident and the amount falls due immediately thereafter. The Insurance Company steps into the shoes of the employer and therefore, when an award is passed, it is but obvious, that interest must be ordered to be paid from a date, one month Whether the reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the Judgment? Yes. following the date of the accident. In exceptional cases where the claimant has delayed the matter or where the proceedings have been delayed due to fault of the claimant the Commissioner may be justified in awarding interest from a later date but in case the claim petition is filed within a reasonable period and compensation is awarded in favour of the claimant, interest should follow as a matter of course.