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BEFORE THE MOTOR ACCIDENTS CLAIMS TRIBUNAL
CUM IV ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE: RANGA REDDY DISTRICT (FTC) Present:- Sri Tallada Ramesh Babu, M.Com, LL.B. Chairman cum IV Additional District Judge. Monday on this 27 day of Febraury, 2012
ORIGINAL PETITION NO. 464 OF 2008
Between; 1.B.Ravinder Reddy, S/o. Satya Reddy, age:24 years, Occ: Pvt Service, R/o:H.No.1-19/1, Peruru village, Devarakadara Mandal, Mahaboodnagar District.
Petitioner
A n d
1.Mohd.Usman, S/o Sadiq, age:40 years, Occ:Pvt. Employee, R/o: Chintalpally village, Sangareddy Mandal, Medak District.
2. M/s. Gcer Engineers Pvt. Ltd, rep by P.Srinivasa Rao, Plot No.1263, Road No.36, Jubliee Hills, Hyderabad.
3. NATIONAL INSURANCE CO.LTD, Rep by its Divisional Manager, VIfloor, 611, Babu Khan Estates, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad. POLICY NO: 1550215/ 31/06/6300002733), Valid from 22-03-2007 to Midnight
Respondents
of 21-3-2008).
This Original Petition came for final hearing before me on 08-12-2011 in the presence of Sri. E.Venkataiah, advocate for Petitioner, Sri G. Satya Prasad, advocate for respondent No2, Sr. Neeli Anil Kumar, Advocate for R3 and R1 remained ex parte and stood over for consideration till this day and now delivering the following:-
AWARD
1.This petition is filed U/s 166 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for compensation of Rs.3,50,000/- to the petitioner on account of injuries to him in the motor vehicle accident.
2.The pleadings of the petitioner are that on 21-07-2007 at about 11.00 A.M the petitioner was proceeding on Pulser Motor Cycle driven by him from Kondapur to his office at Madhaput when he reached near NAC Cross roads area , the DCM bearing No. AP 09 X 2 6283 came in rash and negligent manner dashed him from his behind, due to which the petitioner fell down and sustained grevious injuries.
The petitioner was admitted in Image Hospital, Ameerpet for treatment.
His right leg was fractured. Grevious fracture on both the legs, and multiple injuries all over his body. The Madhapur police, Cyberabad registered a case in Cr.No. 346/2007 U/s 337 I.P.C against the driver of the DCM Van and chargesheet was laid u/s 338 I.P.C. The first respondent pleaded guilty of the offence before IX Metropolitan
Magistrate. The petitioner was shifted to Image Hospital, Ameerpet
subsequently shifted to Sunitha Hospital. The petitioners right hand both the legs were crippled with permanent disability. He expended
Rs.3,50,000 for his treatment. Hence the petition.
3.The Ist respondent, who is the driver of the DCM Van(offending vehicle) remained exparte.
4.The second respondent who is the owner of the DCM Van filed his counter denying all the allegations and putting the petitioner to strict proof of all the allegations in the petition. He denied the manner of accident injuries to the petitioner, occupation and income of the petitioner. The accident occurred due to negligence of the petitioner.
The petitioner drove his vehicle without valid license and contributed to the accident. The claim of the petitioner is excessive, the petitioner received simple injuries only, the petitioner had no disability. His vehicle is insured with third respondent. The first respondent, who is driver of the offending vehicle got valid driving license at the time of the accident. The Insurance Policy was in force by the date of accident.
The third respondent alone liable to pay compensation. He prays to dismiss the petition with costs.
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4.The third respondent, who is the insurer of the DCM Van of the
R2 filed his counter denying all the allegations and putting the petitioner to strict proof of all the allegations in the petition and has taken various pleas basing on the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act.
The driver of the van had no valid and effective driving license at the time of accident and the van was not road worthy condition to ply. He dines the involvement of the van in the accident. He denied the age and income of the petitioner. There was con tributary negligence on the part of the first respondent. He denied the criminal case filed by the police against the first respondent. The petitioner was colluded with the second respondent to cause wrongful loss to this respondent. He reserves his right to file additional counter. The claim of the petitioner is excessive. He prays to dismiss the petition with costs.
5. On the basis of above pleadings, the following issues were settled for trial:
1. Whether the petitioner sustained injuries in a motor vehicle
accident occurred on 21-07-2007 due to rash and negligent
driving of DCM Van bearing No. AP 9X 6283 by its driver?
2. Whether the petitioner is entitled to claim compensation and if so
how much amount and from which of the respondents?
3. To what relief?
6. The 3rd respondent filed a petition U/S 170 of M.V.Act in I.A.No.
486/2011 and the same was allowed on 24-8-2011 by permitting the 3rd respondent to take all the defences that are available to 2nd respondent.
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7.To prove the claim, P.Ravinder Reddy, the petitioner is examined as PW1 and Exs.A1 to A6 are marked, Dr. Srikanth, Plastic Surgeon of
NIMS Hospital is examined as PW2 to prove the treatment to the petitioner.
8.Ex.B1 Copy of Insurance Policy is marked on behalf of respondent no.3.
No oral or documentary evidence is adduced by R2.
9. Arguments of both sides heard.
ISSUE NO 1:
10.To prove the case of the petitioner, the petitioner Pinnam Cherla
Ravinder Reddy is examined as PW1. He is the eye witness and injured in the accident. He relied on the following documents:-
ExA1: Certified copy of FIR in Cr.No.346/2007 of Madhapur police station, EXA2: Certified copy of chargesheet, Ex.A3: C.C. Of bunch of medical bills(63) for Rs.1,33,155/- Ex.A, Ex:A4: C.C of physically
Handicapped Certificate issued District Medical Board, kurnool, ExA5: X-
Ray films(4), Ex.A6: (3) photographs with negatives.
11. On the of report of G.Venkata Chalapathi, Police Constable no.
3821 of Madhapur Police Station police registered the case and the petitioner was shifted to Image Hospital, he is the eye witness to the accident . Madhapur police issued ExA1 F.I.R in crime. No. 346 of 2007 U/S 337 I.P.C against the driver of the offending DCM Van that is first respondent. The police after thorough investigation laid chargesheet against the driver of the DCM ( R1) before IX
Metropolitan Magistrate, Cyberabad at Miyapur U/S 338 I.P.C. The 5 copy of the chargesheet is Ex.A2. This is one of the circumstance to prove the negligence of R1 in driving the DCM Van. Immediately after the accident the petitioner was admitted into Image Hospital for treatment. Ex.A3 Bunch of medical bills proved the same. The independent agency appointed by State Government laid chargesheet against the driver (R1) of DCM Van of second respondent. This is one of the circumstance to show the driver of the DCM Van was negligent and caused injuries to the first claimant.
12.The petitioner who is Pw1 specifically stated in his chief affidavit that on 21-07-2007 at about 10.00 A.M the petitioner was proceeding on Pulser Motor Cycle driven by him from Kondapur to his office at
Madhapur when he reached near NAC Cross roads area, the DCM bearing No. AP 09 X 6283 came in rash and negligent manner dashed from behind, due to which the petitioner fell down and sustained grevious injuries. The petitioner was admitted in Image Hospital,
Ameerpet for treatment. His right leg was fractured. Grevious fracture on both the legs, and multiple injuries all over his body.
13. In the cross examination he admitted that he and his friend jointly purchased the motor bike on which he was riding at the time of accident. The Registration Certificate relating to motor bike has not filed in to court. Though he stated that he got driving lincense he did not choose to file it into court. An adverse can be drawn against the petitioner U/s113 of Evidence Act that he has no valid and effective driving license at the time of accident. He contributed to the happening of the accident. He did not choose to examine any independent witness to prove the nature of accident. He also admitted that immediately after the accident he was admitted into Image Hospital, Madhapur. But he 6 did not choose to file Medico Legal Record issued by the said hospital.
He stated that he took only first aid. The same is not pleaded in his petition. He also admitted in the cross examination that his vehicle has no Insurance Policy at the time of accident. In the light of above discussion there is contributory negligence on the part of the petitioner leading to accident. I have answered this issue partly in favour of the petitioner. The contributary negligence of the petitioner is notionally fixed at 20%.
ISSUE No. 2
14. Immediately after the accident the petitioner was admitted into
Image Hospital, but no proof is filed. He was shifted to Suvidha
Hospital, he also took treatment in Mythri hospital and NIMS hospital,
Ex.A3 medical bills proved the same. PW2 Dr.Srikanth, Plastic
Surgeon of NIMS hospital treated the petitioner. To shift the petitioner from the place of accident to the Hospitals, he might have spent some amount for transport. During the period of treatment in the hospitals, the family members of petitioner might have attended the petitioner to meet his requirements. They might have spent some amount for transport. I am of the considered opinion that awarding of a sum of
Rs. 5,000/- as compensation under the head of transport expenditure is just and reasonable . Hence I awarded Rs. 5,000/-.
15. The petitioner filed Medical bills, for Rs.43,890/- under Ex.A7 and for Rs.1,33,155/-- under Ex.A3. To prove the sum of the bills PW2 is examined. He took treatment in three hospitals mainly Suvidha,
Mythri and NIMS Hospitals. Therefore the medical bills claimed by the petitioner is not excessive one. The phtographs Ex.A6 and Xcray
Filsms Ex.A5 proved that the petitioner sustained fracture to his right hand and both the legs. PW2 supported the petitioner about the 7 injuries. The claim made by the petitioner is reasonable one Hence the petitioner is entitled to compensation of Rs.1,33,155/-. The petitioner is awarded Rs.1,33,155/-under the head of extra nourishment and medicine.
17. The petitioner claimed that he got 40% of permanent disability.
HE filed Ex.A4 Medical Certificate issued by Medical Board, Kurnool but no doctor is examined to prove his disability . Without examining the doctor who issued Ex.A4 it is not proved the petitioner got 40% of permanent disability The evidence of Pw2 disclosed that he did not treat the petitioner but he gave evidence based on the records. He did not issue any disability certificate. He stated that patient does not need any operation in future. Hence he is not entitled to compensation under the head of permanent partial disability.
18.According to petitioner, he was a Security Officer in G4 Security
Services private Ltd, Hyderabad and was drawing Rs12,000/- per month and not filed any document to prove the same. In the absence of proof of income, it is presumed that his income is Rs.3,000/- per month. The petitioner took three or four months time to recover from the injuries. He lost income for the said four months period. He is entitled to compensation of Rs, 3,000X 4 months = Rs.12,000/-. In my view the petitioner is entitled to compensation of Rs.12,000/- under the head of loss of earnings.
18. In my considered view the injuries sustained by first petitioner would definitely cause much bodily pain. It restricted the movements of the petitioner for a considerable time and would also cause much physical as well as mental pain. Pain is mental feeling. We cannot 8 translate mental feelings into monitory value but the petitioner must be compensated. After considering the nature of the injuries and the nature of the treatment taken by him. I am of the considered opinion that awarding of Rs10,000/- under the head of Pain and Suffering is just and reasonable. Hence I awarded the same.
19.After considering all the heads, the petitioner is entitled to a total
compensation of Rs.1,28,124/- (Rs.1,60,155 – 20% of Contributary
Negligence is Rs. 32,031=128,124).
ISSUE. No.3
20.The accident occurred by reason of rash and negligent driving of driver of the DCM Van . Ther second respondent is the owner of the
DCM Van, he is lilable to pay compensation. There is no dispute with regard to the coverage of the risk covered under Insurance Policy
Ex.B1 of the vehicle of R2 with R3. R3 is liable to indemnify R2.
R2 did not come to witness box to say anything against the Insurance
Policy and participate in the enquirty though he filed counter. R3 did not deny in his counter about the coverage of Insurance Policy in favour of Van of R2. Both the respondents 2 and 3 are jointly and severally liable to pay compensation to the petitioner. I have the answered this issue in favour of petitioner.
I ssue No.3:
In the result, the petition is allowed with costs and interest by granting the following reliefs:-
1. Petitioner is entitled to a total compensation of Rs.128,124/- with proportionate costs and interest payable by both the respondents 2and3.
2. Petitioner is entitled to interest @ 7.5 % per annum from the date of presentation i.e. 28-04-2008 to till the realisation; 9
4. On deposit, petitioner is entitled to withdraw the entire amount with interest and cost.
5. Advocate fee is fixed at Rs.3,000/- and
6. Time granted for deposit of amount is 30 days from the date order.
Directly dictated to Junior Assistant on computer corrected and pronounced by me in the open court on this 27. 02. 2012.
Chairman cum IV Addl District Judge,
R.R.District.
APPENDIX OF EVIDENCE
On behalf of Petitioner: On behalf of Respondents: nil
PW1:P.Ravinder Reddy PW2: Dr.Srikanth.
Exhibits marked on behalf of Petitioner:
ExA1: Certified copy of FIR in Cr.No.346/2007 of Madhapur police station,
EXA2: Certified copy of chargesheet,
Ex.A3: C.C. Of bunch of medical bills(63) for Rs.1,33,155/-
Ex.A, Ex:A4: C.C of physically Handicapped Certificate issued District
Medical Board, kurnool,
ExA5: X-Ray films(4),
Ex.A6: (3) photographs with negatives.
Exhibits marked on behalf of Respondent: Ex.B1 : Copy of Insurance policy issued by R2 10
Chairman, cum IV ADJ ,
R. R District.
DECREE
BEFORE THE MOTOR ACCIDENTS CLAIMS TRIBUNAL
CUM IV ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE: RANGA REDDY DISTRICT (FTC) Present:- Sri Tallada Ramesh Babu, M.Com, LL.B. Chairman cum IV Additional District Judge. Monday on this 27 day of Febraury, 2012
ORIGINAL PETITION NO. 464 OF 2008
Between; 1.B.Ravinder Reddy, S/o. Satya Reddy, age:24 years, Occ: Pvt Service, R/o:H.No.1- 19/1, Peruru village, Devarakadara Mandal, Mahaboodnagar District. Petitioner A n d 1.Mohd.Usman, S/o Sadiq, age:40 years, Occ:Pvt. Employee, R/o: Chintalpally village, Sangareddy Mandal, Medak District.
2. M/s. Gcer Engineers Pvt. Ltd, rep by P.Srinivasa Rao, Plot No.1263, Road No.36, Jubliee Hills, Hyderabad.
3. NATIONAL INSURANCE CO.LTD, Rep by its Divisional Manager, VIfloor, 611, Babu Khan Estates, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad. POLICY NO: 1550215/ 31/06/6300002733), Valid from 22-03-2007 to Midnight of 21- 3-2008).Respondents
CLAIM :The petitioner filed this petition under section 166 of M.V.Act for compensation of Rs.3,50,000/- on account of injuries to him in a Motor Vehicle Accident. CAUSE OF ACTION :For this petition the cause of action arose on 21-07-2007 when the injured met with a motor vehicle accident near NAC Cross Roads, Madhapur. VALUATION : The petitioner valued the petition at 3,50,000/- and paid the court fees of Rs.2,860/- under Rule 475/1B of APMV Rules.
COURT FEE PAID : Rs.2,860=00 /- PETITION PRESENTED ON : 28.04.2008 PETITION FILED ON : 30.04.2008
This Original Petition came for final hearing before me on 24-2-2012 in the presence of Sri. E.Venkataiah, advocate for Petitioner, Sri G. Satya Prasad, advocate for respondent No2, Sr. Neeli Anil Kumar, Advocate for R3 and R1 remained ex parte and having stood over for consideration till this day this court doth oder and decree as follows .
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That the petition is allowed with proportionate costs and interest by granting the following reliefs:-
1. Petitioner is entitled to a total compensation of Rs.1,28,124/- with proportionate costs and interest payable by both the respondents 2and3.
2. Petitioner is entitled to interest @ 7.5 % per annum from the date of presentation i.e. 28-04-2008 to till the realisation;
3. On deposit, petitioner is entitled to withdraw the entire amount with interest and cost.
4. Advocate fee is fixed at Rs.3,000/- and
5. Time granted for deposit of amount is 30 days from the date order.
6. That the Respondents 2 and 3 do pay to the petitioner a sum of
Rs. 5962/- towards costs of this petitioner.
Given under my hand and seal of this tribunal on this 27-02-2012
CHAIRMAN – CUM- IV ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE
RANGA REDDY DISTRICT
MEMO OF COSTS
For PetitionerFor Respondents
Stamp on petition:Rs. 2,860=00 Stamp on vakalat:Rs 2=00 Rs. 2=00 Stamp on process:Rs 100=00 Advocate fee:Rs 3,000=00 __________________________________ TOTALRs. 5,962=00Rs. 2=00 _________________________________
CHAIRMAN – CUM- IV ADDITIONAL DISTRICT
JUDGE RANGA REDDY DISTRICT