Sunita Devi & Ors. v. New India Assurance Co Ltd

Delhi High Court · 23 Aug 2013 · 2013:DHC:4171
Suresh Kait
MAC.APP. 1056/2012
2013:DHC:4171
civil appeal_allowed Significant

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court enhanced the compensation awarded for non-pecuniary damages in a motor accident claim, aligning it with Supreme Court standards in Rajesh & Ors. v. Rajbir Singh & Ors.

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MAC.APP. 1056/2012
HIGH COURT OF DELHI
JUDGMENT
delivered on: 23rd August, 2013
MAC.APP. 1056/2012
SUNITA DEVI & ORS ..... Appellants
Through: Mr. Vaidant Chadha, Proxy counsel.
versus
NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO LTD ..... Respondent
Through: Mr. Rajender Kumar, Adv.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURESH KAIT SURESH KAIT, J. (Oral)

1. The present appeal is filed for enhancement of the award amount granted by the learned Tribunal vide order dated 1.10.2011. The counsel for the appellant has argued that on non-pecuniary benefits the learned Tribunal has granted compensation on a very lower side.

2. Learned counsel further submits that compensation for loss of consortium has been granted Rs.10,000/-, compensation for funeral expenses Rs.5,000/- and compensation for loss of love and affection Rs.20,000/-.

3. Counsel for the appellant has relied upon the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Rajesh & Ors. Vs. Rajbir Singh & Ors. 2013 (6) SCALE 563 whereby the Hon’ble Supreme Court has awarded Rs.1.00 lakh compensation for loss of consortium, Rs.25,000/- compensation towards 2013:DHC:4171 MAC.APP. 1056/2012 funeral expenses and Rs.1.00 lakh compensation towards loss of love and affection.

4. Keeping in view the dictum of the Supreme Court in Rajesh & Ors. (supra), I enhance the compensation towards loss of consortium Rs.1.00 lakh, compensation towards funeral expenses Rs.25,000/-, compensation towards loss of love and affection Rs.1.00 lakh.

5. Accordingly, the enhanced amount of Rs.1,80,000/- shall be deposited by the appellant within five (5) weeks from today with the Registrar General of this Court and the same shall carry interest from the date of filing of the appeal till date of realization of the amount failing which the respondent shall be liable for penal interest @ 12 per cent per annum.

6. On deposit of enhanced amount, the Registrar General is directed to release the same in favour of appellant No.1, i.e., Ms. Sunita Devi, the widow of deceased Sonia Mandal.

7. In view of the above the appeal is allowed.

SURESH KAIT, J AUGUST 23, 2013 b’nesh/RS