The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Laxmina Devi & Ors.

Delhi High Court · 12 Oct 2017 · 2017:DHC:6116
R. K. Gauba
MAC Appeal No. 975/2015
2017:DHC:6116
civil appeal_dismissed

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court dismissed the insurance company's appeal and upheld the tribunal's award of compensation based on Delhi minimum wages, recognizing the deceased's residence and livelihood in Delhi despite the accident occurring in Ghaziabad.

Full Text
Translation output
MAC Appeal No. 975/2015 HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 12th October, 2017 MAC APPEAL No. 975/2015
THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE. CO. LTD. ..... Appellant
Through: Mr. Vinod Trisal, Adv.
VERSUS
SMT. LAXMINA DEVI & ORS. ..... Respondent
Through: Mr. Rakesh Yadav & Mr. Sunil Kumar Pandey, Adv. for R-1 t
7.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE R.K.GAUBA
JUDGMENT
(ORAL)

1. The only issue pressed at the hearing by the appellant insurance company is that since the accident had occurred in Ghaziabad, there being no proof on record showing the deceased was an ordinary resident of District Ghaziabad UP in calculating the loss of dependency, the tribunal should have adopted the minimum wages of UP rather than that of the Union Territory of Delhi. This plea cannot be accepted in view of the evidence on record, inter alia, also showing that the deceased and the claimants had been residents of village Ghazipur within the territory of Delhi and further that he was earning his livelihood as a hawker of fruits and vegetables for which he would cross over to Delhi as well. 2017:DHC:6116 MAC Appeal No. 975/2015

2. In these circumstances, the appeal is dismissed.

3. By order dated 15.12.2015, the insurance company had been directed to deposit the entire awarded amount with the Registrar General of this Court and out of such deposit 50% was allowed to be released to the claimants. By subsequent order dated 08.02.2016, it was clarified that such deposit was to be made with the tribunal. The tribunal shall release the balance to the claimants in terms of the impugned judgment.

4. The statutory amount shall also be refunded. R.K.GAUBA, J. OCTOBER 12, 2017 nk