Supreme Court Restores Enhanced Disability Compensation in Motor Accident Case. High Court's Reduction in Disability Percentage Overturned; Tribunal's Award Reinstated.

Case Note & Summary

The Supreme Court, restored the decision of the Tribunal, which had awarded compensation based on a 25% disability to the appellant, Rahul, who sustained multiple fractures in a motor accident. The High Court of Karnataka had earlier reduced the disability assessment to 20%, leading to a decrease in the compensation amount. The Supreme Court found the High Court's reduction unjustified and reinstated the Tribunal's original compensation decision.

Background

Incident: Rahul sustained serious injuries in a motor accident on 27th January 2013 while riding as a pillion. Injuries: Fractures in both forearms, requiring surgical intervention with plates and screws. Tribunal's Decision: Awarded compensation based on a 25% disability, totaling Rs. 5,38,872/-.

High Court's Ruling

Appeal: The insurance company challenged the Tribunal’s award, leading to a reduction in the assessed disability to 20% by the High Court. Outcome: The High Court reduced the compensation to Rs. 4,74,072/-.

Supreme Court's Analysis

Key Issue: Whether the High Court's reduction of the disability percentage from 25% to 20% was justified. Supreme Court's Observation: The High Court's reduction lacked sufficient basis, particularly since the doctor who assessed the 50% disability was not discredited.

Final Judgment

Restoration: The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's judgment and restored the Tribunal’s decision. Direction: The insurance company was ordered to deposit the full compensation as per the Tribunal's original judgment within four weeks.

Conclusion

Impact: The judgment underscores the importance of relying on credible medical assessments in determining compensation for disabilities resulting from accidents.