Kunti Devi @ Kunta Devi & Anr v. Puran Chand & Anr

Delhi High Court · 05 Sep 2019 · 2019:DHC:4417
Najmi Waziri
MAC.APP. No. 97/2018
2019:DHC:4417
civil appeal_allowed Significant

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court enhanced the compensation in a motor accident claim by applying the correct multiplier based on the deceased's age and awarding additional damages for future prospects, love and affection, consortium, estate, and funeral expenses.

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MAC.APP. No. 97/2018 HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 05.09.2019
MAC.APP. 97/2018
KUNTI DEVI @ KUNTA DEVI & ANR ..... Appellants
Through: Mr. Jitender Kamra, Advocate for appellants.
VERSUS
PURAN CHAND & ANR (NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO LTD) ..... Respondents
Through: Mr. J.P.N. Shahi and Ms. Shivangi Krishna, Advocates for R-2.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE NAJMI WAZIRI NAJMI WAZIRI, J. (Oral)
JUDGMENT

1. At joint request, the case is taken up for disposal alongwith MAC. APP. 664/2017.

2. This appeal seeks enhancement of the award of compensation dated 27.04.2017 passed by the learned MACT in MACP No. 90/14, on the ground that instead of age of the deceased, the age of the parent was taken into consideration. In view of the dicta of the Supreme Court in National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Pranay Sethi & Ors. (2017) 16 SCC 680, the age of the deceased ought to be the determinant multiplier. The deceased was 21 years of age, therefore, the multiplier of 18 would be applicable. 2019:DHC:4417 Additionally, compensation towards ‘loss of future prospects’ @ 40% shall be granted in terms of the same judgment.

3. Furthermore, each of the claimants shall also be entitled to compensation towards 'loss of love and affection' and 'loss of consortium' @ Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 40,000/- respectively as per the dicta of the Supreme Court in Magma General Insurance Co. Ltd. vs. Nanu Ram @ Chuhru Ram & Ors., 2018 SCC OnLine SC 1546. Additionally, compensation towards 'Loss of Estate' and 'Funeral Expenses' shall also be payable @ Rs. 15,000/- under each of the heads. Hence, the total payable amount would be as under: S.No. Particulars Amount

1. Loss of future prospects [Rs.9,802/-(notional income)x12(months)x 18(multiplier)x140/100(future prospects)x50/100(50% deduction towards personal expenses)] Rs. 14,82,063/-

2. Loss of love and affection [Rs. 50,000 x 2 (claimants)] Rs. 1,00,000/-

3. Loss of consortium [Rs. 40,000 x 2 (claimants)] Rs. 80,000/-

4. Loss of Estate Rs. 15,000/-

5. Funeral Expenses Rs. 15,000/- TOTAL Rs. 16,92,063/-

4. Accordingly, the enhanced amount, alongwith interest thereon @ 9% from the date of the filing of the claim petition till its realization, be deposited by the insurer within three weeks of receipt of a copy of this order. Upon deposit, the said monies shall be released to the beneficiaries of the award in terms of the scheme of disbursement specified therein. The appellant has also been granted right of recovery as ordered in MAC.APP. 664/2017.

5. The appeal is disposed-off in terms of the above.

NAJMI WAZIRI, J SEPTEMBER 05, 2019