Delhi High Court: I.S. Mehta, J. dismissed an appeal filed by the claimant against an award of compensation granted in a motor accident’s claim by the Presiding Officer, Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal-2 (Central), Tis Hazari Courts.
Bhagwat Prasad was crossing a road when he was hit by a motorcycle. He filed a claim petition against the driver of the motorcycle as also the insurer. The Tribunal awarded a compensation of Rs 1,46,572 plus interest to Bhagwat Prasad. Not satisfied with the quantum of compensation, he filed the present appeal.
D.S. Bhandari, Advocate for Bhagwati Prasad challenged the award on various grounds including that the Tribunal did not award any compensation towards loss of income due to inability. Per contra, Pankaj Gupta for Suman Bagga, Advocates representing the insurer supported the Tribunal’s order.
The High Court noted that Bhagwat Prasad relied upon his disability certificate of 42% which was not permanent disability. This, according to the Court, disentitled him for compensation towards loss of income. In view of the Court, the same also disentitled him for compensation towards future treatment. As far as the plea regarding the loss of disfigurement is concerned, the Court observed, “the same losses its significance, as, the injuries on the person is a temporary fracture…As such fracture on the ankle is not permanent in nature and is curable. The same cannot be classified as disfigurement injury which could be a stigma in the society and a factor to lower down his position in the society. Therefore, appellant is not entitled to any compensation towards disfigurement.”Finding no infirmity in the impugned award passed by the Tribunal, the Court dismissed the present appeal. [Bhagwat v. Laxman, 2019 SCC OnLine Del 7339, decided on 26-02-2019]