Motor Accident Claims Appeal, APSRTC, Negligence, Compensation Enhancement, Permanent Disability, Andhra Pradesh High Court, MV Act, Cross-Objection
 06 Aug, 2026
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AP State Road Transport Corporation Vs. Kuruva Subba Arayudu (Deceased by LRs)

  Andhra Pradesh High Court 2814/2014
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Case Background

As per case facts, the petitioner, a lorry driver, was severely injured with a right leg amputation when an APSRTC bus negligently dashed into his lorry. He filed a claim ...

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Document Text Version

1

Date of reserved for orders :08.05.2026

Date of pronouncement :06.08.2026

Date of uploading :06.08.2026

APHC010513862014

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

AT AMARAVATI

(Special Original Jurisdiction)

[3520]

THURSDAY, THE 6

th

DAY OF AUGUST 2026

PRESENT

THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE A. HARI HARANADHA SARMA

MOTOR ACCIDENT CIVIL MISCELLANEOUS APPEAL NO: 2814/2014

Between:

1. THE AP STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION, REP BY ITS

MANGING DIRECTOR CUM VICE CHAIRMAN O/O.MUSHEERABAD,

HYDERABAD.

...APPELLANT

AND

1. KURUVA SUBBA ARAYUDU DIED AS PER LRS 4 TO 7, S/O.K.ANKANNA,

HINDU, OFF LORRY DRIVER R/O.H.NO.2/1444 -D, PEDDA PADAKANA, I-

TOWN, KURNOOL.

2. N KESHAVA GOUD, S/O.N.JAYANTHI GOUD, AGED MAJOR, OCC: OWNER

OF LORRY R/O.H.NO.44-19-A/10, PRAKASH NAGAR, KURNOOL.

3. THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER, M/S.NEW INDIA ASSUANCE CO LTD

O/O.HDCT COMPLEX, RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KURNOOL.

4. KURUVA SUDHAKAR S/O LATE KURUVA SUBBARAYUDU, HINDU,AGED

ABOUT 40 YEARS,R/O. 2/144D -A1,PEDDAPADAKHANA

STREET,KURNOOL D ISTRICT, ANDHRAPRADESH 518001

5. KURUVA SURIBABU S/O LATE KURUVA SUBBARAYUDU, HINDU,AGED

ABOUT 38 YEARS,R/O. 2/144D -A1,PEDDAPADAKHANA

STREET,KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRAPRADESH 518001

2

6. WADALA SULOCHANA D/O LATE KURUVA SUBBARAYUDU, HINDU,AGED

ABOUT 35 YEA RS,R/O. 3 -157,PAIGERI,

BALAPALAPALLE,BETHANUCHERLA,KURNOOL DISTRICT,

ANDHRAPRADESH - 518599

7. KURUVA SHAKUNTALA W/O LATE KURUVA SUBBARAYUDU,

HINDU,AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS,R/O. 2/144 -D-A1,PEDDAPADAKHANA

STREET,KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH 518001

RESPONDENT NO.4 TO 7 ARE BROUGHT ON RECORD AS LR OF THE

DECEASED 1ST RESPONDENT VIDE COURT ORDER DATE.23.04.2025 IN

IA.NO.3/2024

...RESPONDENT(S):

Appeal filed under Order 41 of CPC before the High Court allow the appeal by

setting aside the decree and judgment dated 19.03.2012 made in MVOP

No.621/2008 on the file of the Chairman, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal cum IV

Addl. District Judge, Kurnool

IA NO: 1 OF 2012(MACMAMP 5907 OF 2012

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased condone the

delay of 65 days that has occurred in filing the present appeal in the interest of justice

IA NO: 2 OF 2012(MACMAMP 6114 OF 2012

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased stay all further

proceedings including the execution of the decree and judgment dated 19.03.2012

made in MVOP No.621/2008 on the file of the Chairman, Motor Accidents Claims

Tribunal cum IV Addl. District Judge, Kurnool

IA NO: 3 OF 2012(MACMAMP 7121 OF 2012

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to vacate the

interim stay passed in MACMAMP No. 6114 of 2012 in MACMASR No. 39946 of

2012 dated 26-9-2012 and pass

IA NO: 1 OF 2016(XOBJ 15867 OF 2016

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased

3

IA NO: 1 OF 2024

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased may be

pleased to condone the delay of 790 days in filing the Legal Representative

IA NO: 2 OF 2024

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased may be

pleased to set aside the abatement in filing Legal Representative petition, in the

interest of justice and equity.

IA NO: 3 OF 2024

Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the

affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased may be

pleased to bring on record the petitioners/proposed respondents/L.Rs. of deceased

Respondent No.1 herein prays that the Honourable Court may be pleased to implead

them as respondents 4 to 7 in the MACMA, being the legal heirs/sons, daughter and

wife of the deceased respondent No.1, in the interest of justice and equity

Counsel for the Appellant:

1. ARAVALA RAMA RAO(SC FOR APSRTC KKAC)

Counsel for the Respondent(S):

1. A JAYA SANKARA REDDY

2. I MAAMU VANI

3. THOTA ASHOK KUMAR

4. A JAYANTHI

The Court made the following:

4

THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE A. HARI HARANADHA SARMA

I.A.No.1 of 2016

In / and

M.A.C.M.A.No.2814 of 2014

COMMON JUDGMENT:

Introductory:

1. Respondent No.1 / A.P.S.R.T.C in M.V.O.P.No.621 of 2008 on the file of the

Chairman, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal-cum-IV Additional District Judge, Kurnool

(for short “the learned MACT”) filed the present appeal.

2. Respondent No.1 in this appeal is petitioner before the learned MACT,

respondent Nos.2 and 3 are respondent Nos.2 and 3 before the learned MACT and

respondent Nos.4 to 7 are the legal representatives of the original claimant-Kuruva

Subbarayudu.

3. The claimant(s) filed Cross-Objection petition vide I.A.No.1 of 2016 (X OBJ

15867 of 2016). However, the office endorsement indicates that the records

pertaining to the said Cross-Objection petition were not received from the erstwhile

common High Court at Hyderabad following bifurcation. Pursuant to the directions of

this Court dated 27.02.2026, the learned counsel for respondent Nos.4 to 7 filed a

copy of the Cross-Objection with petition for the purpose of reconstruction of the

Court record. Considering the representation of both sides, I.A.No.1 of 2016 filed on

behalf of the claimants is allowed.

4. One Kuruva Subbarayudu-injured (hereinafter referred to as “the petitioner”)

filed the claim petition in terms of Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, claiming

5

compensation of Rs.6,00,000/- for the injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident.

He was travelling in lorry bearing No.AP 21 V 9993 owned by respondent No.2 and

insured with respondent No.3. While he was travelling in the said lorry on 03.06.2008,

A.P.S.R.T.C. bus bearing No.AP 28 Z 1757 (hereinafter referred to as “the offending

vehicle”) dashed the lorry in a rash and negligent manner, causing the accident,

resulting in injuries and disability to the petitioner. The offending vehicle is owned by

respondent No.1 before the learned MACT (appellant herein).

5. Respondent No.4 to 7 herein are impleaded pursuant to the death of the

original claimant during the pendency of the appeal by the A.P.S.R.T.C. They have

filed cross-objections.

Contention of the appellant / A.P.S.R.T.C:

6. The contention of the appellant / A.P.S.R.T.C is that there was negligence on

the part of the driver of the lorry. The claimants should have moved an application

under the Workmen‟s Compensation Act against the driver and Insurance Company

of the lorry. There was no negligence on the part of the driver of A.P.S.R.T.C. bus.

In any event, the claim should lie against the lorry and there is liability on the owner,

driver and Insurance Company of the lorry. The legal representatives of the claimant

by way of cross-objections, claimed that the learned MACT awarded a meagre

compensation and ought to have considered the permanent functional disability of the

claimant at 100% and that the compensation awarded is very low and requires

enhancement.

6

7. For the sake of convenience, the parties will be hereinafter referred to as “the

petitioners/claimants” and “the respondents” as and how they are arrayed before the

learned MACT.

Case of the claimants:

8(i). On 03.06.2008 at about 05:00 p.m. the petitioner boarded the lorry carrying

coal bearing No.AP 21 V 9993 at Chandrapoor to proceed to Mysore in Karnataka.

On 04.06.2008 at about 7:00 p.m., at Bharath Gas Factory near Dupadu, Kurnool

Town, the A.P.S.R.T.C. bus / the offending vehicle came at a high speed in a rash

and negligent manner and dashed the lorry. As a result of which, the petitioner /

driver of the lorry sustained multiple injuries. He was shifted to Government General

Hospital, Kurnool, where he has taken treatment and incurred medical expenditure of

Rs.50,000/-. On his report, Crime No.57 of 2008 was registered. The negligence of

the driver of the A.P.S.R.T.C Bus / offending vehicle is the cause for accident.

(ii). The petitioner was hale and healthy, aged about „39‟ years, earning Rs.3,000/-

per month as salary and Rs.3,000/- towards „batta‟ by the date of accident. But, due

to the accident, his right leg was amputated and he could not attend to his duties as a

regular driver. The claim is made against the A.P.S.R.T.C as well as the lorry for joint

and several liability.

Case of respondent No.1 / A.P.S.R.T.C.:

9. The negligence on part of the driver of the A.P.S.R.T.C bus is not correct. The

petitioner himself is responsible for the accident, being the driver of the lorry and

driving the same in a rash and negligent manner.

10. Respondent No.2, the owner of the lorry remained ex parte.

7

Case of respondent No.3 / Insurance Company:

11(i). Respondent No.3 / Insurance Company of the lorry claimed that there was no

negligence on the part of the petitioner, the driver of the lorry. The driver of the

A.P.S.R.T.C bus alone was negligent. Hence, respondent No.1 before the learned

MACT alone is liable to pay compensation.

(ii). The petitioner shall prove the pleaded accident, age, occupation, income and

other material particulars, including his valid and effective driving licence.

(iii). Further, it is also claimed by the Insurance Company that the driver of the

A.P.S.R.T.C bus was charge-sheeted and prosecuted under Exs.A1 and A2.

Therefore, respondent No.3 / Insurance Company is not liable.

Findings of the learned MACT:

12. The incident was witnessed by the cleaner who was preset in the lorry. He

sustained multiple injures. FIR and charge-sheet vide Exs.A1 and A2, reveal the

circumstances under which the accident occurred. The evidence of R.W.1, the driver

of the A.P.S.R.T.C. bus would show that he was prosecuted by the Ulindakonda

Police by filing a charge-sheet on the file of the Judicial First Class Magistrate,

Kurnool. The FIR under the original of Ex.P1 and charge-sheet under the original of

Ex.P2 were filed against him and that he did not give any report.

13. The negligence on the part of the R.W.1, the driver of the A.P.S.R.T.C bus, is

acceptable. Therefore, the A.P.S.R.T.C is liable to pay compensation.

14. The petitioner suffered the following four injuries:

1. A lacerated injury present over the fore head size 5 x 2 cm red in colour.

2. Knee size 2 x 4 red in colour.

8

3. A lacerated injury present in Right leg below the Knee 4 x 2 cm red in

colour.

4. A lacerated injury present over the left thumb and his right leg was

amputated.

15. P.W.2, the Orthopedic Surgeon who treated P.W.1 and conducted the

operation, deposed about the treatment, operation and amputation over right below

knee. He further stated that the petitioner was admitted into the hospital on

10.06.2008 and discharged on 28.07.2008.

16. The income of the petitioner/claimant can be considered at Rs.3,000/- per

month and batta at Rs.2,000/- per month, totaling Rs.5,000/- per month, which comes

to Rs.60,000/- per annum. 1/3rd was deducted towards the personal expenditure.

Thereafter, Rs.40,000/- was capitalized. Multiplier „16‟ is applicable. When the same

is applied, entitlement comes to Rs.6,40,000/-. The permanent disability is taken at

50%. Therefore, the entitlement comes to Rs.3,20,000/- under the head of functional

disability. The petitioner is further entitled for Rs.20,000/- towards pain and suffering

and Rs.20,000/- towards loss of amenities of life, Rs.30,000/- towards medicinal

expenditure and Rs.40,000/- towards loss of earnings and incapacity to earn. In all

the total entitlement comes to Rs.4,30,000/-.

Arguments in the appeal:

For the appellant / A.P.S.R.T.C:

17(i). Negligence on the part of the petitioner, the driver of the lorry should have

been considered.

(ii). The evidence of R.W.1 is ignored.

9

(iii). The disability is taken excessively.

(iv). The compensation awarded is excessive.

For the respondents/ legal representatives / claimants:

18(i). Deducting 1/3

rd

towards personal expenditure in the injury case is not correct.

(ii). Taking the disability at 50% is not correct.

(iii). Compensation under all heads is not awarded.

19. Heard both sides extensively. Perused the record. Thoughtful consideration is

given to the arguments advanced by both sides.

20. Now, the points that arise for determination in this appeal are:

1) Whether the compensation awarded at Rs.4,30,000/- by the learned MACT

and the imposition of liability on the appellant A.P.S.R.T.C. (respondent No.1

before the learned MACT) are proper or require any interference, and if so, on

what ground and to which extent?

2) What is the result of the appeal?

Point No.1:

Accident and Negligence:

Statutory Guidance:

21(i). As per Section 176 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the State Governments are

entitled to make rules for the purpose of carrying effect to the provisions of the Motor

Vehicles Act.

(ii). In relation to claims before the learned MACT, Rule 455 to Rule 476 of the A.P.

Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, vide Chapter No.11 provides comprehensive guidance.

As per Rule 476 of the A.P. Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the claims Tribunal shall

10

proceed to award the claim basing on the registration certificate of the vehicle,

insurance policy, copy of FIR and Post- mortem certificate etc.

Precedential Guidance:

22. The Hon‟ble Apex Court in Bimla Devi and others Vs. Himachal Road

Transport Corporation

1

, in para 15 observed as follows:

“15. In a situation of this nature, the Tribunal has rightly taken a holistic view of

the matter. It was necessary to be borne in mind that strict proof of an accident

caused by a particular bus in a particular manner may not be possible to be done

by the claimants. The claimants were merely to establish their case on the

touchstone of preponderance of probability. The standard of proof beyond

reasonable doubt could not have been applied. For the said purpose, the High

Court should have taken into consideration the respective stories set forth by both

the parties..”

23(i). P.W.1 is the claimant and injured. He has denied the negligence on his part

and asserted that the accident occurred due to the negligence on the part of the

driver of the A.P.S.R.T.C. bus.

(ii). During his cross examination, nothing is elicited and he has specifically stated

that no report was given against him.

24. R.W.1 is the driver of the offending vehicle. During his cross-examination, he

has admitted that the Police filed a criminal case against him for his rash and

negligent driving of the offending vehicle. Interestingly, he stated that he do not know

about the pendency of the said case. He has also admitted that he did not give any

report against the petitioner for accident and that he was released on bail in criminal

case filed against him.

1

2009 (13) SCC 530

11

25. The evidence of R.W.1 suggests that he was speaking in disguise. In view of

the evidence of P.W.1 and the admissions of R.W.1 and in the light of the statutory

guidance and precedential guidance, without any hesitation, the findings of the

learned MACT as to the negligence of the driver of the offending vehicle / bus being

the cause for the accident is found fit to be accepted and concurred with. There is no

material available to take a contra view. Accordingly, the negligence of the driver of

the A.P.S.R.T.C bus is accepted as the cause for the accident.

Quantification of compensation:

26(i). The petitioner is the driver of the offending vehicle at the relevant time and the

same is not in dispute.

(ii). P.W.2, the doctor who treated the petitioner, deposed that he is a retired

Orthopedic Surgeon.

(iii). On 10.06.2008, the petitioner was admitted into the hospital and below-knee

amputation of the right leg was done by operation on 10.06.2008.

(iv). On 11.07.2008, debridement was done for the below-knee amputee.

(v). On 22.07.2008, skin grafting was done for the raw area over the right below-

knee amputee.

(vi). The Petitioner was discharged from the hospital on 28.07.2008.

(vii). Ex.A5 is the disability certificate issued by the Medical Board assessed the

disability at 70%. The Petitioner cannot drive any vehicle.

(viii). It was suggested to P.W.2 that the disability is to be assessed at 50%.

12

27. If functional disability is taken into consideration, the petitioner, who was driver

at the time of the accident, he is unable to discharge his duties as a driver. Therefore,

his functional disability can be accepted at 100%.

Precedential Guidance:

28. A reference to parameters, for quantifying the compensation under various

heads, addressed by the Hon‟ble Apex Court is found necessary, to have standard

base in the process of quantifying the compensation, to which the claimant is entitled.

(i) With regard to awarding just and reasonable quantum of compensation,

the Hon‟ble Supreme Court in Baby Sakshi Greola vs. Manzoor Ahmad Simon

and Anr.

2

, arising out of SLP(c).No.10996 of 2018 on 11.12.2024, considered the

scope and powers of the Tribunal in awarding just and compensation within the

meaning of Act, after marshaling entire case law, more particularly with reference to

the earlier observations of the Hon‟ble Supreme Court made in Kajal V. Jagadish

Chand and Ors.

3

, referred to various heads under which, compensation can be

awarded, in injuries cases vide paragraph No.52, the heads are as follows:-

S. No. Head Amount (In ₹)

1. Medicines and Medical Treatment xxxxx

2. Loss of Earning Capacity due to Disability xxxxx

3. Pain and Suffering xxxxx

4. Future Treatment xxxxx

5. Attendant Charges xxxxx

6. Loss of Amenities of Life xxxxx

7. Loss of Future Prospect xxxxx

8. Special Education Expenditure xxxxx

9. Conveyance and Special Diet xxxxx

10. Loss of Marriage Prospects xxxxxx

_________

Total Rs. … xxxxxx

_________

2

2025 AIAR (Civil) 1

3

2020 (04) SCC 413

13

(ii). Hon‟ble Apex Court in Yadava Kumar Vs. Divisional Manager,

National Insurance Company Limited and Anr.,

4

vide para No.10, by referring to

Sunil Kumar Vs. Ram Singh Gaud

5

,as to application of multiplier method in case of

injuries while calculating loss of future earnings, in para 16 referring to Hardeo Kaur

Vs. Rajasthan State Transport Corporation

6

, as to fixing of quantum of

compensation with liberal approach, valuing the life and limb of individual in generous

scale, in para 17 observed that :-

“The High Court and the Tribunal must realize that there is a distinction between

compensation and damage. The expression compensation may include a claim for damage

but compensation is more comprehensive. Normally damages are given for an injury which

is suffered, whereas compensation stands on a slightly higher footing. It is given for the

atonement of injury caused and the intention behind grant of compensation is to put back the

injured party as far as possible in the same position, as if the injury has not taken place, by

way of grant of pecuniary relief. Thus, in the matter of computation of compensation, the

approach will be slightly more broad based than what is done in the matter of assessment of

damages. At the same time it is true that there cannot be any rigid or mathematical precision

in the matter of determination of compensation.”

(iii). In Rajkumar Vs. Ajay Kumar and Another

7

, the Hon‟ble Apex Court

summarized principles to be followed in the process of quantifying the compensation

after referring to socio economic and practical aspects from which, the claimants

come and the practical difficulties, the parties may face in the process of getting

disability assessed and getting all certificates from either the Doctors, who treated, or

from the medical boards etc. principles summarized vide para No.19 are as follows:

19. We may now summarise the principles discussed above:

4

2010(10)SCC 341

5

2007 (14) SCC 61

6

1992(2) SCC 567

7

2011 (1) SCC 343

14

(i) All injuries (or permanent disabilities arising from injuries), do not result

in loss of earning capacity.

(ii) The percentage of permanent disability with reference to the whole

body of a person, cannot be assumed to be the percentage of loss of

earning capacity. To put it differently, the percentage of loss of earning

capacity is not the same as the percentage of permanent disability (except

in a few cases, where the Tribunal on the basis of evidence, concludes

that the percentage of loss of earning capacity is the same as the

percentage of permanent disability).

(iii) The doctor who treated an injured claimant or who examined him

subsequently to assess the extent of his permanent disability can give

evidence only in regard to the extent of permanent disability. The loss of

earning capacity is something that will have to be assessed by the Tribunal

with reference to the evidence in entirety.

(iv) The same permanent disability may result in different percentages of

loss of earning capacity in different persons, depending upon the nature of

profession, occupation or job, age, education and other factors.

(iv) In Sidram vs. United India Insurance Company Ltd. and Anr.

8

vide

para No.40, the Hon‟ble Apex Court referred to the general principles relating to

compensation in injury cases and assessment of future loss of earning due to

permanent disability by referring to Rajkumar’s case, and also various heads under

which compensation can be awarded to a victim of a motor vehicle accident.

(v) In Sidram’s case, reference is made to a case in R.D. Hattangadi V.

Pest Control (India) (P) Ltd.

9

. From the observations made therein, it can be

understood that while fixing amount of compensation in cases of accident, it involves

some guess work, some hypothetical consideration, some amount of sympathy linked

with the nature of the disability caused. But, all these elements have to be viewed

8

2023 (3) SCC 439

9

1995 (1) SCC 551

15

with objective standards. In assessing damages, the Court must exclude all

considerations of matter which rest in awarding speculation or fancy, though

conjecture to some extent is inevitable.

Analysis:

29. The pleaded income of the petitioner is Rs.6,000/- per month. The learned

MACT has taken the income at Rs.5,000/- per month towards salary and batta.

Although the same is not proved by cogent evidence, taking into consideration the

socio-economic circumstances of the year 2008, in which the accident occurred,

Rs.5,000/- per month can be accepted, including the addition towards the future

prospects. Accordingly, the income of the petitioner / injured can be accepted at

Rs.5,000/- per month and Rs.60,000/- per annum. Instead of taking the disability at

50%, it can be taken at 100% in view of amputation. Thereby, the loss of income to

the petitioner can be accepted at Rs.60,000/- per annum. The applicable multiplier is

„15‟, whereby the entitlement of petitioner for compensation under the head of loss of

income comes to 9,00,000/- (Rs.60,000/- x 15). Deduction of 1/3

rd

towards personal

expenditure is also not necessary, as the claim is by the injured.

30. In view of the discussion made above, the entitlement of the claimants for

reasonable compensation in comparison to the compensation awarded by the

learned MACT is found as follows:

Sl.

No.

Head Granted by the

learned MACT

Fixed by this

Appellate Court

1. Pain and suffering Rs.20,000/- Rs.50,000/-

2. Extra nourishment -Nil- Rs.15,000/-

16

31. For the reasons aforesaid and in view of the discussion made above, the point

framed is answered concluding that the claimants are entitled for compensation of

Rs.11,00,000/- with interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of petition till

the date of realization and the order and decree dated 19.03.2012 passed by the

learned MACT in M.V.O.P.No.621 of 2008 require modification accordingly.

Granting of more compensation than what claimed, if the claimants are

otherwise entitled:-

32. The legal position with regard to awarding more compensation than what

claimed has been considered and settled by the Hon‟ble Supreme Court holding that

there is no bar for awarding more compensation than what is claimed. For the said

preposition of law, this Court finds it proper to refer the following observations of the

Hon‟ble Supreme Court made in:

3. Medical

expenditure/treatment

Rs.30,000/- Rs.50,000/-

4. Attendant charges -Nil- Rs.15,000/-

5. Transportation -Nil- Rs.15,000/-

6. Loss of income due to

disability

Rs.3,20,000/- Rs.9,00,000/-

7. Loss of earnings during

the period of

hospitalization etc.

Rs.40,000/- Rs.40,000/-

8. Loss of Amenities of Life Rs.20,000/- Rs.15,000/-

Total: Rs.4,30,000/- Rs.11,00,000/-

Interest (per annum) 9% 6%

Considering the facts

and circumstance of

the case and the long

lapse of time, interest

is awarded at 6% per

annum

17

(1) Nagappa Vs. Gurudayal Singh and Others

10

, at para 21 of the judgment,

that:–

“..there is no restriction that the Tribunal/Court cannot award compensation

amount exceeding the claimed amount. The function of the Tribunal/Court is to

award “just” compensation, which is reasonable on the basis of evidence produced

on record.”

(2) Kajal Vs. Jagadish Chand and Ors.

11

at para 33 of the judgment, as

follows:-

“33. We are aware that the amount awarded by us is more than the amount

claimed. However, it is well settled law that in the motor accident claim petitions,

the Court must award the just compensation and, in case, the just compensation is

more than the amount claimed, that must be awarded especially where the

claimant is a minor.”

(3) Ramla and Others Vs. National Insurance Company Limited and Others

12

at para 5 of the judgment, as follows:-

“5. Though the claimants had claimed a total compensation of Rs 25,00,000 in

their claim petition filed before the Tribunal, we feel that the compensation which

the claimants are entitled to is higher than the same as mentioned supra. There is

no restriction that the Court cannot award compensation exceeding the claimed

amount, since the function of the Tribunal or Court under Section 168 of the Motor

Vehicles Act, 1988 is to award “just compensation”. The Motor Vehicles Act is a

beneficial and welfare legislation. A “just compensation” is one which is reasonable

on the basis of evidence produced on record. It cannot be said to have become

time-barred. Further, there is no need for a new cause of action to claim an

enhanced amount. The courts are duty-bound to award just compensation.”

10

(2003) 2 SCC 274

11

2020 (04) SCC 413

12

(2019) 2 SCC 192

18

Point No.2:

33. In the result,

(i) The appeal filed by the A.P.S.R.T.C vide M.A.C.M.A.No.2814 of 2014 is

dismissed.

(ii) Cross objections filed on behalf of the claimants vide I.A.No.1 of 2016

(XOBJ 15867 of 2016) are allowed.

(iii) Compensation awarded by the learned MACT in M.V.O.P.No.621 of

2008 at Rs.4,30,000/- with interest at the rate of 9% per annum is

modified and enhanced to Rs.11,00,000/- with interest at the rate of 6%

per annum from the date of petition till the date of realization.

(iv) Claimant(s) before the learned MACT / Respondent Nos.4 to 7 herein

are liable to pay the Court fee for the enhanced part of the compensation,

before the learned MACT.

(v) The enhanced compensation amount shall be apportioned equally among

all the claimants.

(vi) Respondent No.1 before the learned MACT i.e. A.P.S.R.T.C is liable to

pay the compensation.

(vii) Time for payment/deposit of the balance amount is one month.

(a) If the claimants/ respondent Nos.4 to 7 herein furnish the bank account

number within 15 days from today, Respondents No.1 / A.P.S.R.T.C.

shall deposit the amount directly into the bank account of the claimant

and file the necessary proof before the learned MACT.

19

(b) If the claimants fail to comply with (vii)(a) above, respondent No.1 /

A.P.S.R.T.C shall deposit the amount before the learned MACT and the

claimant is entitled to withdraw the amount at once on deposit.

(viii) There shall be no order as to costs in the appeal.

34. As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending in the appeal shall stand

closed.

____________________________

A. HARI HARANADHA SARMA, J

Date:06.08.2026

Knr

Whether the order is:

Speaking Reasoned ✓

Reportable Non-reportable ✓

20

HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE A. HARI HARANADHA SARMA

M.A.C.M.A.No.2814 of 2014

06.08.2026

Knr

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