Sri
Krishna Vishweshwar Hede Vs. The General Manager, K.S.R.T.C. [2008] INSC 649 (15
April 2008)
CJI K.G. BALAKRISHNAN & R.V. RAVEENDRAN O R D E R CIVIL APPEAL NO.2823 OF 2008 (Arising out of SLP(C) No.24406/2004)
Leave granted. Heard learned counsel for the appellant.
2. The appellant claimed a compensation of Rs.5 lacs for injuries sustained
by him in a motor accident on 9.8.1985, that is a collision between the motor
cycle driven by him and a bus belonging to Karnataka State Road Transport
Corporation (for short 'KSRTC').
The Tribunal by its judgment dated 4.1.2003 held that there was contributory
negligence on the part of the appellant and fixed the responsibility for the
accident in the ratio of 50:50 on the driver of the bus and the appellant. It
assessed the total compensation as Rs.2,32,254/-. In view of the contributory
negligence to an extent of 50%, it awarded a compensation of Rs.1,16,127/- with
interest @ 8% per annum from the date of petition till the date of payment.
-2- 3. KSRTC, the owner of the bus challenged the said award by filing an
appeal.
The High Court allowed the appeal in part, and increased the liability of
the appellant for the accident to 75% and reduced the liability of the bus
driver to 25%. Consequently, it arrived at the compensation as Rs.58,063/- and
rounded it off to Rs.60,000/-. Feeling aggrieved, the claimant-appellant is
before us.
4. We find that after detailed consideration of the evidence, the Tribunal
held that both were liable and fixed the ratio of liability at 50% each. On the
other hand, the High Court has modified the ratio by increasing the liability
of appellant at 75% without much justification. On the facts and circumstances,
we are of the view that the judgment of the Tribunal assessing the ratio of
liability at 50:50 is proper and the High Court ought not to have interfered
with it.
5. We therefore allow this appeal, set aside the judgment of the High Court
and restore the judgment and award of the Tribunal.
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