National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Mala Rani & Ors.

Delhi High Court · 18 Sep 2017 · 2017:DHC:5581
R.K. Gauba
MAC Appeal No. 444/2010
2017:DHC:5581
civil appeal_dismissed

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court dismissed the insurance company's appeal against the levy of nine percent interest on a motor accident claim award, holding that delay was not solely attributable to the claimants.

Full Text
Translation output
MAC Appeal No. 444/2010 HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 18th September, 2017 MAC APPEAL No. 444/2010
NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD. ..... Appellant
Through: Mr. Pankaj Seth, Adv.
VERSUS
MALA RANI & ORS. ..... Respondents
Through: None.
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 award was granted by the tribunal, by judgment dated 20.05.2010, on a claim petition (bearing Suit NO. 111/2009) that was instituted on 14.10.1999 by the claimants (first to fourth respondents), the delay being primarily of the claimants, the interest should not have been levied to the extent of nine per cent (9%) per annum.

2. A perusal of the record of the tribunal reveals that the claimants cannot be faulted entirely for the delay which occurred on account of judicial process and evasion by the other parties.

3. The appeal is therefore dismissed. 2017:DHC:5581 MAC Appeal No. 444/2010

4. By order dated 26.07.2010, the insurance company had been called upon to deposit the entire awarded amount and from out such deposit, seventy five per cent (75%) was allowed to be released in terms of orders dated 06.09.2010 and 13.12.2010. The balance amount held back, shall now be released to the claimants.

5. The statutory amount shall be refunded to the appellant insurance company.

6. The appeal stands disposed of in above terms. R.K.GAUBA, J. SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 vk