Chanderhash Pandey vs Ajay on 11 July, 2026

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    Delhi District Court

    Chanderhash Pandey vs Ajay on 11 July, 2026

            `IN THE COURT OF DR. ABHILASH MALHOTRA
          PRESIDING OFFICER: MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS
         TRIBUNAL-02 , PATIALA HOUSE COURTS, NEW DELHI
    
                                       In the matter of:
                     CHANDERHAS PANDEY Vs. AJAY & ANR.
                             DAR NO. 590/2021
    
    
    Sh. Chandrahas Pandey
    S/o Sh. Nand Pandey
    R/O H. No. 194, Balmiki Mandir,
    Vasant Village, Delhi                                  ...... Petitioner
    
                                       Versus
    1.       Sh. Ajay
             S/o Sh. Prem Singh
             R/o H. No. 389, Karan Vihar,
             Sultanpuri, Delhi
                                                   ....        Driver-cum-Owner
                                                             Respondent no.1
    2.       M/s National Insurance Company Ltd.
             Nelson Mandela Road,
             Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
                                                  ....         Insurance Company/
                                                                Respondent no. 2
    
    Date of accident                            20.09.2020
    Date of filing of DAR                       23.12.2021
    Date of framing of issues                   16.05.2023
    Date of concluding arguments                03.07.2026
    Date of decision                            11.07.2026
    
    
    
    
    DAR No. 590/2021                                                   Page. 1 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
                                           AWARD/JUDGMENT
    
    Index to the Judgment
    BRIEF FACTS/CASE OF THE CLAIMANT(s)................................................4

    FRAMING OF ISSUES………………………………………………………………………….. 5
    EVIDENCE LED BY THE PARTIES……………………………………………………….5
    ARGUMENTS OF COUNSELS OF THE PARTIES…………………………………..8
    ISSUE WISE ANALYSIS & FINDINGS THERETO………………………………..10
    i. Presumption qua complicity upon filing chargesheet:………………………11
    ii. Adverse inference qua driver:………………………………………………………13
    iii. Preponderance of probabilities:…………………………………………………..13
    iv. Finding:…………………………………………………………………………………… 14

    (b) Issue No.2: Whether claimant is entitled to compensation, and to what
    amount?…………………………………………………………………………………………… 15
    i. Extent of disability:……………………………………………………………………..15
    ii. Principles qua assessment of compensation:………………………………….19
    iii. Loss of Future Income:………………………………………………………………23
    iv. Expenditure on Treatment…………………………………………………………..27
    v. Expenditure on Conveyance & Special Diet (Pecuniary):………………..28
    vi. Expenditure on Attendant (Pecuniary):………………………………………..29
    vii. Cost of Artificial Limb:…………………………………………………………….29
    i. Loss of earning capacity………………………………………………………………30
    ii. Loss of Income (during the period of treatment):……………………………30
    iii. Any other loss which may require any special treatment or aid to the
    injured for the rest of his life…………………………………………………………..31
    Any other loss which may require any special treatment or aid to the
    injured for the rest of his life…………………………………………………………..31
    Loss of Future Income & loss of income………………………………………….31
    TOTAL………………………………………………………………………………………..32

    SPONSORED

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 2 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    Non-Pecuniary Heads…………………………………………………………………… 32
    iv. Compensation for Mental & Physical shock, Pain & Suffering and
    Loss of amenities (Non-Pecuniary):…………………………………………………32
    v. Loss of Marriage Prospects (Non-Pecuniary):………………………………..33
    vi. Disfiguration (Non-Pecuniary):…………………………………………………..33
    vii. Loss of earnings, inconvenience, hardships, disappointment,
    frustration, mental stress and unhappiness in future life etc. (Non-
    Pecuniary):…………………………………………………………………………………… 34

    (b) Issue No.3: Relief………………………………………………………………………….35
    i. Amount of Award:……………………………………………………………………….35
    ii. Rate of Interest:…………………………………………………………………………35
    iii. Deposit of Award:…………………………………………………………………….. 36
    iv. Disbursement of the award amount & protection thereof:……………….38
    LIABILITY………………………………………………………………………………………….40
    SUMMARY OF COMPUTATION OF AWARD AMOUNT IN INJURY
    CASES………………………………………………………………………………………………… 41
    COMPLIANCE QUA PROVISIONS OF THE SCHEME………………………….43

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 3 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    BRIEF FACTS/CASE OF THE CLAIMANT(s)

    1. In present case, FIR bearing no. 61/2020 was registered in PS
    Connaught Place, Delhi on the complaint made by complainant
    Sh. Chandrahas Pandey against driver-cum-owner / R-1 Sh.
    Ajay. A charge sheet was filed by the police against the driver-
    cum-owner / R-1 Sh. Ajay under Section 279/338 IPC, on the
    charges of rash driving of driver-cum-owner / R-1 Sh. Ajay. It is
    stated that on 20.09.2020 complainant/ injured was going to his
    duty at New Delhi Railway Station by riding bi-cycle and at
    about 6:12 a.m, when he reached red light Regal Cinema, Outer
    Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi, R-1 driver-cum-owner
    while driving his car bearing registration No. HR-63-E-0389
    rashly, negligently and at high speed hit the complainant/
    injured due to which he fell down on the road and sustained
    injuries. Thereafter he was taken to Lady Hardinge Medical
    College, New Delhi where his MLC was made.

    2. As per the DAR, the vehicle was driven by respondent no. 1
    driver-cum-owner, owned by respondent no 2 and insured by
    respondent no. 2 Insurance company.

    3. Respondent no. 1 driver-cum-owner initially appeared before
    this Tribunal and thereafter stopped to appear and did not file
    any reply.

    4. Respondent no. 2 Insurance Company filed their reply and
    contested the matter.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 4 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    5. During the proceedings issues were framed on 16.05.2023
    Thereafter the written submissions were filed by the claimant
    in the prescribed format.

    FRAMING OF ISSUES

    6. Vide order dated 16.05.2023, following issues were framed

    by this Tribunal:-

    “1. Whether the petitioner suffered injuries
    in a vehicular accident that took place on
    20.09.2020 at about 6:12 a.m. at Red Light
    Near Regal Cinema, Outer Circle,
    Connaught Place, New Delhi involving a
    vehicle bearing registration No. HR-63-
    E-0389 (offending vehicle) being owned and
    driven by Respondent no. 1 in a rash and
    negligent manner and insured with
    respondent no. 2/ Insurance Company?OPP

    2. Whether the petitioner is entitled for
    compensation? If so, to what amount and
    from whom? OPP

    3. Relief.”

    EVIDENCE LED BY THE PARTIES

    7. In the proceedings conducted before the Tribunal, the
    following witnesses were examined:- PW-1 Mr. Chandrahas
    Pandey has tendered his affidavit by way of evidence which is
    Ex. PW 1/A. He proved on record the following documents
    viz., copy of Aadhar Card which is Ex. PW 1/1; copy of PAN
    Card which is Ex. PW 1/2; copy of qualification documents

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 5 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    which are Ex. PW 1/3 (Colly); copy of I. Card issued by the
    employer cyclops which is Ex. PW 1/4; copy of salary slip of
    September, 202 which is Ex. PW 1/ 4A; copy of Leaves
    Certificate which is Ex. PW 1/ 4-B; copy of I. Card issued by
    employer Jatayu which is Ex. PW 1/ 5; Original treatment
    documents with discharge summary which is Ex. PW 1/ 6
    (Colly); Disability Certificate which is Ex. PW 1/ 7; Medical
    bills of Rs.47,111/- which is Ex. PW1 /8.

    8. In his testimony PW-1 stated that on 20.09.2020 he was going
    to his duty at New Delhi Railway Station by riding his bi-
    cycle and at about 6:12 a.m, when he reached red light, Regal
    Cinema, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi, R-1/
    driver-cum-owner while driving his car bearing registration
    No. HR-63-E-0389 rashly, negligently and at high speed hit
    him due to which he fell down on the road and sustained
    multiple grievous injuries including fracture on right leg and
    other internal injuries all over his body. He was taken to Lady
    Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi where his MLC was
    made and discharged on the same day due to Covid-19. He
    stated that he was advised to attend the OPD to follow up
    treatment and accordingly he visited OPD on various dates.

    9. PW-1 stated that he was working with M/s Cyclops Security
    and Allied Pvt. Ltd. as a security guard and was getting salary
    of Rs.19,864/- per month. He further stated that apart from
    this job, he was doing a part time job with M/s Jatayu

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 6 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    Enterprises as a security guard and was getting salary of
    Rs.10,000/- per month. Due to injuries, he could not join his
    duties till 05.04.2022 from the date of accident with M/s
    Cyclops Security and Allied Pvt. Ltd. but he lost the job with
    M/s Jatayu Enterprises.

    10.PW-1 further stated that he suffered 3% permanent disability
    and a Disability Certificate is issued by Medical Board of Dr.
    RML Hospital, New Delhi.

    11.In his cross examination, PW-1 stated that he joined Cyclops
    on 03.09.2020 as a security guard on permanent basis and was
    working with M/s Cyclops in day shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00
    p.m and earning Rs.19,864/- per month. He further stated that
    he was working with M/s Jatayu Enterprises in night shift
    from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and earning Rs.10,000/- per
    month.

    12.PW-2 was Mr. Lakhan Kumar, Manager Security from M/s
    Cyclops Security and Allied Services Pvt. Ltd., who is a
    summoned witness and authorized to depose on behalf of the
    Company. The said Authority Letter is Ex. PW 2/1.

    13.PW-2 in his testimony stated that he had brought the record
    pertaining to Sh. Chandrahas Pandey who was working with
    their company as a security guard w.e.f. 03.09.2020 and his
    gross salary was Rs.19,864/- per month. He stated that Mr.
    Chandrahas Pandey was contractual employee of the
    company and his duty timings were 6:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 7 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    14.He further stated that after his accident, Mr. Chandrahas
    Pandey did not resume his services till 05.04.2022 and
    rejoined their company on 06.04.2022 and during the leave
    period w.e.f. 20.09.2020 to 05.04.2022 he was not paid any
    salary by the company.

    15. In his cross examination, PW-2 stated that Mr. Chandrahas

    Pandey was working as a security guard in their company in
    the morning shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, and was posted
    at IRCTC. New Delhi. PW-2 stated that Mr. Chandrahas
    Pandey was getting salary of Rs.17,300/- approx. after
    necessary deductions.

    ARGUMENTS ADDRESSED BY LD. COUNSELS FOR PARTIES

    16.Ld. Counsel for the claimant contended that the accident
    occurred due to the wanton negligence of the driver of the
    offending vehicle. He submitted that the factum of filing of
    charge sheet itself establishes negligence on the part of the
    driver.

    17.Ld. counsel submitted that claimant himself is eye witness. In
    his testimony he categorically stated that accident had
    occurred due to negligence of insured / offending vehicle.

    18.He submitted that the claimant was working as security guard
    with M/s Cyclops Security and Allied Services Pvt. Ltd. and
    was also working with M/s Jatayu Enterprises. He submitted
    that PW-2 Mr. Lakhan Kumar had proved on record the

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 8 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    employment record of the claimant and stated that claimant
    was employed with M/s Cyclops Security and Allied Services
    Pvt. Ltd. as a security guard w.e.f. 03.09.2020 and was
    earning a gross salary of Rs.19,864/-. The witness also stated
    that claimant resumed service only from 06.04.2022. He
    submitted that though witness from the office of M/s Jatayu
    Enterprises could not be summoned, but the claimant has filed
    on record copy of his I. D. Card which shows that he was
    working with M/s Jatayu Enterprises also and getting a salary
    of Rs.10,000/- per month. He submitted that the salary of
    claimant be considered as Rs. 29,864/- per month.

    19.Ld. counsel for the claimant submitted that as per the medical
    record and testimony of PW-2, the claimant could not work
    for a period of 18 months 15 days and therefore, they have
    claimed loss of income for the said period.

    20.Ld. counsel further submitted that claimant has suffered 3%
    permanent disability and therefore entitled for loss of future
    income also.

    21.R-1 driver- cum -registered owner failed to appear and argue
    the matter.

    22.Ld. counsel for Insurance Company submitted that initially
    they have made a legal offer of Rs.80,000/- which was
    revised later to Rs.2,89,690/-. She submitted that Insurance
    has considered the loss of income for a period of six months
    because as per the medical record filed along with DAR, the

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 9 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    claimant plaster cast was removed on 07.11.2020 (at P-101 of
    DAR). claimant suffered a fall from stairs on 18.11.2020
    (P-97 of DAR) and the injuries suffered thereafter cannot be
    attributed to the accident and the Insurance Company cannot
    be made liable to compensate for the same.

    23.Ld. counsel for the Insurance company submitted that the
    testimony of claimant in respect of working with two
    companies as a security guard is improbable and
    unreasonable. She submitted that no documents regarding the
    salary obtained from M/s Jatayu Enterprises is placed on
    record and the same cannot be considered as salary
    component.

    24. Ld. counsel for Insurance Company submitted that in the
    revised legal offer they have considered functional disability
    as 1.5 % and the same may be considered for the purposes of
    calculation of income of the claimant.

    ISSUE WISE ANALYSIS & FINDINGS THERETO

    25. Issue No.1: “1. Whether the petitioner suffered injuries in a
    vehicular accident that took place on 20.09.2020 at about 6:12
    a.m. at Red Light Near Regal Cinema, Outer Circle,
    Connaught Place, New Delhi involving a vehicle bearing
    registration No. HR-63-E-0389 (offending vehicle) being
    owned and driven by Respondent no. 1 in a rash and negligent
    manner and insured with respondent no. 2/ Insurance
    Company?OPP

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 10 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    i. Presumption qua complicity upon filing chargesheet:

    26.Rule 21 of Annexure XIII of The Central Motor Vehicles
    Rules, 1989 mandates as follows:-

    21. Claims Tribunal shall treat Dar as a claim petition for
    compensation under Sub-Section (4) of Section 166 of the
    Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (1) The Claims Tribunal shall
    treat the DAR filed by the Investigating Officer as a claim
    petition under Section (4) of Section 166 of the Motor
    Vehicles Act, 1988. However, where the Investigating
    Officer is unable to produce the claimant(s) on the first date
    of hearing the Claims Tribunal shall register the DAR as a
    claim petition after the appearance of the claimant(s).

    (2) where the claimant(s) have filed a separate claim
    petition, the DAR may be tagged along with the claim
    petition.

    (3) If the Report under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal
    Procedure, 1973 (2) of 1974 has not been filed at the time of
    filing of the DAR, the Claims Tribunal may either wait till
    filing of the Report under Section 173 of the said Code of
    Criminal Procedure
    or record the statement of the eye
    witness(es) to satisfy itself with respect to the negligence
    before passing the award.

    (4) The Claims Tribunal shall register the FAR as a
    Miscellaneous application and the IAR as well as DAR
    shall be taken on record in the same Miscellaneous
    application.

    27. In Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd. Vs. Meera

    Devi & Ors decided on 16.02.2021, 2021 LawSuit (Del) 858
    it was held :

    8. ….. In view of Delhi Motor Accident Claim Tribunal
    Rules, 2008, contents of DAR had to be presumed to be
    correct and read in evidence without formal proof of the
    same unless proof to the contrary was produced……..”.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 11 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    28. In a recent order dated 25.02.2025, passed in Ranjeet & Anr v

    Abdul Nayem Keb & Anr in SLP (c) 10351/2019, it was held
    in trenchant terms as thus:

    “It is settled in law that once a charge sheet has been filed
    and the driver has been held negligent, no further evidence is
    required to prove that the bus was being negligently driven
    by the bus driver. Even if the eyewitnesses are not examined,
    that will not be fatal to prove the death of the deceased due
    to negligence of the bus driver.”

    ii. Adverse inference qua driver:

    29. The driver of the offending vehicle steered clear of the

    witness box and did not lead any controvertible evidence to
    negate or refute the allegations of rash and negligent driving.
    It may further be noted that in Cholamandlam insurance
    company Ltd. Vs. Kamlesh 2009 (3) AD Delhi 310, it was
    held that if driver of offending vehicle does not enter the
    witness box, an adverse inference can be drawn against him.
    In the present case also, since the driver exercised his volition
    to not enter into the witness box to controvert the claim of
    claimant or even to explain circumstances of accident, an
    adverse inference ought to be drawn against him.

    iii. Preponderance of probabilities:

    30.It is trite law that in a proceeding before the Claims Tribunal,
    the claimant does not have to establish negligence on the part
    of the driver respondent beyond reasonable doubt. The
    standards of establishing negligence is predicated on

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 12 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    preponderance of probabilities. In the present case too,
    negligence has been established on this principle.

    31.In this context, it would be useful to peruse Mathew
    Alexander v. Mohd. Shafi
    , (2023) 13 SCC 510 wherein it was
    observed as thus:

    “In this context, we could refer to the judgments of this
    Court in N.K.V. Bros. (P) Ltd. v. M. Karumai
    Ammal [N.K.V. Bros
    .
    (P) Ltd. v. M. Karumai Ammal,
    (1980) 3 SCC 457 : 1980 SCC (Cri) 774] , wherein the
    plea that the criminal case had ended in acquittal and that,
    therefore, the civil suit must follow suit, was rejected. It
    was observed that culpable rashness under Section 304-

    AIPC is more drastic than negligence under the law of torts
    to create liability. Similarly, in Bimla Devi v. Himachal
    RTC [Bimla Devi v. Himachal RTC, (2009) 13 SCC 530 :

    (2009) 5 SCC (Civ) 189 : (2010) 1 SCC (Cri) 1101]
    (“Bimla Devi”), it was observed that in a claim petition
    filed under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,
    the Tribunal has to determine the amount of fair
    compensation to be granted in the event an accident has
    taken place by reason of negligence of a driver of a motor
    vehicle. A holistic view of the evidence has to be taken into
    consideration by the Tribunal and strict proof of an
    accident caused by a particular vehicle in a particular
    manner need not be established by the claimants. The
    claimants have to establish their case on the touchstone of
    preponderance of probabilities. The standard of proof
    beyond reasonable doubt cannot be applied while
    considering the petition seeking compensation on account
    of death or injury in a road traffic accident. To the same
    effect is the observation made by this Court in Dulcina
    Fernandes v. Joaquim Xavier Cruz [Dulcina
    Fernandes
    v. Joaquim Xavier Cruz, (2013) 10 SCC 646 :

    (2014) 1 SCC (Civ) 73 : (2014) 1 SCC (Cri) 13] which has
    referred to the aforesaid judgment in Bimla Devi [Bimla
    Devi v. Himachal RTC (2009) 13 SCC 530.”

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 13 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    32.In the present case, PW-1 was the eye witness to the accident.

    In his testimony he categorically stated that accident has
    occurred due to rash driving of offending/ insured vehicle.
    The Charge sheet is also filed against R-1 driver-cum-owner.
    R-1 driver-cum-owner failed to lead any evidence to rebut the
    same.

    33.Insurance company also did not dispute the factum of
    rashness in this matter and did not claim any statutory
    defence. Insurance company initially filed legal offer for
    Rs.80,000/- and revised the said legal offer to Rs.2,89,690/-.

    34. Accordingly, it is clear from the record that the accident had

    occurred due to rash driving by the driver of insured vehicle
    bearing registration number HR-63E-0389.

    iv. Finding:

    35.In view of foregoing discussion, it stands proved on the
    touchstone of preponderance of probabilities that the
    aforesaid accident took place due to rash and negligent
    driving of offending vehicle bearing registration no.
    HR-63E-0389 and the said vehicle at that time was driven by
    respondent no. 1 driver-cum-owner, and insured with
    respondent no.2. Hence, issue no. 1 is decided in favour of the
    claimant and against the respondents.

    DAR No. 590/2021                                              Page. 14 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
     (b)      Issue No.2: Whether claimant is entitled to compensation, and
             to what amount?
    
    i.       Extent of disability:
    
    

    36.Ex. PW 1/7 viz. Report of the Medical Board of Dr. Ram
    Manohar Lohia Hospital opined that it is a case of road traffic
    accident with fracture of both bones of right leg. The
    fractures have united and his Permanent Physical Impairment
    is 3% in relation to his right lower limb.

    37.From the record, it is amply clear that the disability suffered
    by the injured is permanent in nature and there is no
    ambiguity in the assessment report of the Medical Board.

    38.Before proceeding further to analyze the aspect of functional
    disability, it would be prudent to refer to the case law laid
    down by
    the higher Courts. It is trite that the test to determine
    the functional disability has been laid down in Raj Kumar
    Vs. Ajay Kumar
    (2011) 1 SCC 343 as thus:

    “Where the claimant suffers a permanent
    disability as a result of injuries, the assessment
    of compensation under the head of loss of
    future earnings, would depend upon the effect
    and impact of such permanent disability on his
    earning capacity.”

    39.It would be apposite to peruse the following directions for
    assessment of functional disability as laid down vide order
    dated 09.03.2018 in Rajesh Tyagi & Ors Vs. Jaiveer Singh &
    Ors, FAO No. 842/2003 dated 09.03.2018 as thus:

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 15 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    6. Directions for assessment of functional disability by the Claims
    Tribunal
    “6.1. All injuries or permanent disability arising
    from injuries do not result in loss of earning
    capacity.

    6.2. The percentage of permanent disability
    with reference to the whole body of a person
    should not be mechanically 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 percentage of loss of earning
    capacity is the same as percentage of permanent
    disability).

    6.3. The doctor who treated an injured-claimant
    or who examined him subsequently to assess
    the extent of his permanent disability can give
    evidence of his medical opinion with regard to
    the extent of permanent disability. However, the
    loss of earning capacity is something to be
    assessed by the Claims Tribunal with reference
    to the evidence in its entirety.

    6.4. 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.

    6.5. Ascertainment of the effect of the
    permanent disability on the actual earning
    capacity involves three steps:

    (i) The Tribunal has to first ascertain what
    activities the claimant could carry on in spite of
    the permanent disability and what he could not
    do as a result of the permanent disability (this is
    also relevant for awarding compensation under
    the head of loss of amenities of life).

    (ii) The second step is to ascertain his
    avocation, profession and nature of work before
    the accident, as also his age.

    (iii) The third step is to find out whether :

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 16 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    a) The claimant is totally disabled from earning
    any kind of livelihood, or

    b) Whether in spite of the permanent disability,
    the claimant could still effectively carry on the
    activities and functions, which he was earlier
    carrying on, or

    c) Whether he was prevented or restricted from
    discharging his previous activities and
    functions, but could carry on some other or
    lesser scale of activities and functions so that he
    continues to earn or can continue to earn his
    livelihood. ”

    40. In Sarnam Singh Vs. Shriram General Insurance Company
    Ltd., Civil Appeal No.
    3900/2023 dated 04.07.2023 (SC),
    2023 INSC 597 the Hon’ble Supreme Court has further
    elucidated upon the concept of functional disability as
    follows:

    “9. As to how compensation, in case where
    permanent disability of an injured affects his
    functional disability, is to be assessed has been
    considered by this Court, repeatedly. Reference
    can be made to the judgment of this court in
    Mohan Soni vs Ram Avtar Tomar and Others. In
    the aforesaid case the injured was working as a
    cart puller. As a result of the accident, his left leg
    was amputated. His permanent disability was
    assessed at 60%. The Tribunal assessed the
    compensation taking the loss of earning at 50%
    on the theory that he can still do some other
    work while sitting. The High Court did not
    disturb the finding regarding loss of the income
    on account of disability. This Court found that
    the Tribunal was in error in taking the loss of
    earning at 50% as the injured was 55 years of
    age and it may be difficult for him to find a job
    at that stage. In fact, any physical disability
    resulting from an accident has to be judged with
    reference to the nature of the work being
    performed by the person who suffered disability.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 17 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    The same injury sufferd by two different persons
    may affect them in different ways. Loss of leg by
    a farmer or a rickshaw puller may be end of the
    road as far as his earning capacity is concerned.
    Whereas, in case of the persons engaged in some
    kind of desk work in office, loss of leg may have
    lesser effect. This Court enhanced the loss of
    earning capacity from 50% to 90%.”

    41. Insurance Company in their revised legal offer have

    considered the functional disability as 1.5 %. No reasonable
    criteria is cited by the Insurance company to reduce the
    functional disability. As per the disability certificate dated
    22.08.2022 which is Ex. PW 1/7, the claimant has suffered
    the fracture in both bones of right leg and the permanent
    physical impairment is assessed as 3%. The claimant is
    working as security guard and his profession requires
    continuous standing and movement of legs. It cannot be
    denied that the aforesaid permanent disability will hamper in
    efficient discharge of his duties. There is no material on
    record to justify reduction of functional disability.
    Accordingly, the functional disability is considered as 3% as
    claimed by the claimant for the purpose of calculations of
    future income.

    ii. Principles qua assessment of compensation:

    42.Before adverting to the submissions of the counsels in this
    regard, it would be apposite to refer to the law of the land qua
    this aspect. The law has been laid down by Hon’ble Supreme

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 18 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    Court in Raj Kumar Vs. Ajay Kumar & Anr. (2011) 1 SCC
    343, Sarla Verma & Ors. v. Delhi Transport Corporation &
    Ors.
    (2003) 6SCC 121 and National Insurance Company
    Limited v. Pranay Sethi & Ors.
    (2017) 16 SCC 680. The gist
    of the law is that the object of awarding damages is to make
    good the loss suffered as a result of wrong done as far as
    money can do so, in a fair, reasonable and equitable manner.
    The Tribunal shall have to assess the damages objectively and
    exclude from consideration any speculation or fancy, though
    some conjecture with reference to the nature of disability and
    its consequences, is inevitable. A person is not only to be
    compensated for the physical injury, but also for the loss
    which he suffered as a result of such injury. This means that
    he is to be compensated for his inability to lead a full life, his
    inability to enjoy those normal amenities which he would
    have enjoyed but for the injuries, and his inability to earn as
    much as he used to earn or could have earned.

    43.In Raj Kumar v Ajay Kumar & Anr. (2011) 1 SCC 343 the
    heads under which compensation is to be calculated was
    expounded as thus :

    “5.The provision of the Motor Vehicles
    Act, 1988
    (“the Act”, for short) makes it
    clear that the award must be just, which
    means that compensation should, to the
    extent possible, fully and adequately
    restore the claimant to the position prior to
    the accident. The object of awarding
    damages is to make good the loss suffered

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 19 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    as a result of wrong done as far as money
    can do so, in a fair, reasonable and
    equitable manner. The court or the Tribunal
    shall have to assess the damages
    objectively and exclude from consideration
    any speculation or fancy, though some
    conjecture with reference to the nature of
    disability and its consequences, is
    inevitable. A person is not only to be
    compensated for the physical injury, but
    also for the loss which he suffered as a
    result of such injury. This means that he is
    to be compensated for his inability to lead
    a full life, his inability to enjoy those
    normal amenities which he would have
    enjoyed but for the injuries, and his
    inability to earn as much as he used to earn
    or could have earned. [See C.K.
    Subramania Iyer v. T. Kunhikuttan
    Nair
    [(1969) 3 SCC 64 : AIR 1970 SC 376]
    , R.D. Hattangadi v. Pest Control (India)
    (P) Ltd.
    [(1995) 1 SCC 551 : 1995 SCC
    (Cri) 250] and Baker v. Willoughby [1970
    AC 467 : (1970) 2 WLR 50 : (1969) 3 All
    ER 1528 (HL)] .]”

    “6.The heads under which compensation is
    awarded in personal injury cases are the
    following:

    Pecuniary damages (Special damages)

    (i) Expenses relating to treatment,
    hospitalisation, medicines, transportation,
    nourishing food, and miscellaneous
    expenditure.

    (ii) Loss of earnings (and other gains) which
    the injured would have made had he not been
    injured, comprising:

    (a) Loss of earning during the period of
    treatment;

    (b) Loss of future earnings on account of
    permanent disability.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 20 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    (iii) Future medical expenses.

    Non-pecuniary damages (General damages)

    (iv) Damages for pain, suffering and trauma
    as a consequence of the injuries.

    (v) Loss of amenities (and/or loss of
    prospects of marriage).

    (vi) Loss of expectation of life (shortening of
    normal longevity).

    In routine personal injury cases,
    compensation will be awarded only under
    heads (i), (ii)(a) and (iv). It is only in serious
    cases of injury, where there is specific
    medical evidence corroborating the evidence
    of the claimant, that compensation will be
    granted under any of the heads (ii)(b), (iii),

    (v) and (vi) relating to loss of future earnings
    on account of permanent disability, future
    medical expenses, loss of amenities (and/or
    loss of prospects of marriage) and loss of
    expectation of life.”

    44.The claimant filed prescribed of the Scheme for Motor
    Accident Claims qua the above heads pertaining to pecuniary
    and non pecuniary damages.

    45. Though the judgment of Raj Kumar (supra) deals with cases
    of fatality, it is no longer res integra that the above principles
    apply to cases of injury also.
    Recourse can be had to Yadava
    Kumar v National Insurance Co Ltd.
    (2010) 10 SCC 341
    wherein it has been ordained as thus:

    “9.The Second Schedule under Section 163-
    A
    of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 gives a
    structured formula for the calculation of
    compensation in accident cases. Note 5 of

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 21 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    the Schedule deals with disability in non-
    fatal accidents and reads as follows:

    5. Disability in non-fatal accidents
    The following compensation shall be payable
    in case of disability to the victim arising out
    of non-fatal accidents:

    Loss of income, if any, for actual period of
    disablement not exceeding fifty-two weeks.
    PLUS either of the following–

    (a) In case of permanent total disablement
    the amount payable shall be arrived at by
    multiplying the annual loss of income by the
    multiplier applicable to the age on the date of
    determining the compensation, or

    (b) In case of permanent partial disablement
    such percentage of compensation which
    would have been payable in the case of
    permanent total disablement as specified
    under Item (a) above.

    Injuries deemed to result in permanent total
    disablement/permanent partial disablement
    and percentage of loss of earning capacity
    shall be as per Schedule I under Workmen’s
    Compensation Act, 1923
    .”

    Thus, the multiplier method is to be applied
    in cases of injuries also and it has been
    applied in a number of accident cases by the
    High Courts and this Court.

    10. This Court in Sunil Kumar v. Ram Singh
    Gaud
    [(2007) 14 SCC 61 : (2009) 1 SCC
    (Cri) 771 : (2008) 1 ACJ 9] , awarded
    compensation in case of injury for loss of
    future earnings and applied the multiplier
    method for calculation of the same.
    The
    same principle was recognised by this Court
    in Priya Vasant Kalgutkar v. Murad
    Shaikh
    [(2009) 15 SCC 54 : (2010) 2 SCC
    (Cri) 266 : AIR 2010 SC 40]”

    46. An essential ingredient of the award is the loss of the future
    earnings. To calculate the same, the multiplier method is used

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 22 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    in terms of the mandate of Sarla Verma (supra) wherein it was
    laid down as thus:

    “42 We therefore hold that the multiplier to be
    used should be as mentioned in Column (4) of
    the table above (prepared by applying Susamma
    Thomas, Trilok Chandra and Charlie) which
    starts with an operative multiplier of 18 (for the
    age groups of 15 to 20 and 21 to 25 years,)
    reduced by one unit for every years that is M-17
    for 26 to 30 years, M-16 for 31 to 35 years ,
    M-15 for 36 to 40 years, M-14 for 41 to 45
    years, and M -13 for 46 to 50 years, then
    reduced by two units for every five years, that
    is, M-11 for 51-55 years, M-9 for 56 to 60 years
    ,M-7 for 61 to 65 years and M- 5 for 66 to 70
    years.”

    47.The assessment of pecuniary as well as non-pecuniary
    damages is discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.

    iii. Loss of Future Income:

    48.The injury sustained by the claimant has a bearing on his
    future prospects to eke out a living in the same manner as he
    would have prior to the accident. To factor into account future
    prospects, several guidelines have been laid down.

    49.In this context, it would be apt to refer to National Insurance
    Co Ltd v Pranay Sethi & Ors.
    (2017) 16 SCC 680 wherein it
    was laid down as thus:

    “59. In view of the aforesaid analysis, we
    proceed to record our conclusions:

    59.3 While determining the income, an
    addition of 50% of actual salary to the
    income of the deceased towards future

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 23 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    prospects, where the deceased had a
    permanent job and was below the age of 40
    years, should be made. The addition should
    be 30%, if the age of the deceased was
    between 40 to 50 years. In case the deceased
    was between the age of 50 to 60 years, the
    addition should be 15%. Actual salary should
    be read as actual salary less tax.

    59.4 In case the deceased was self-employed
    or on a fixed salary, an addition of 40% of
    the established income should be the warrant
    where the deceased was below the age of 40
    years. An addition of 25% where the
    deceased was between the age of 40 to 50
    years and 10% where the deceased was
    between the age of 50 to 60 years should be
    regarded as the necessary method of
    computation. The established income means
    the income minus the tax component.

    59.5 For determination of the multiplicand,
    the deduction for personal and living
    expenses, the tribunals and the courts shall
    be guided by paras 30 to 32 of Sarla
    Verma [Sarla Verma v. DTC, (2009) 6 SCC
    121 : (2009) 2 SCC (Civ) 770 : (2009) 2
    SCC (Cri) 1002] which we have reproduced
    hereinbefore.

    59.6 The selection of multiplier shall be as
    indicated in the Table in Sarla Verma [Sarla
    Verma v. DTC, (2009) 6 SCC 121 : (2009) 2
    SCC (Civ) 770 : (2009) 2 SCC (Cri) 1002]
    read with para 42 of that judgment
    59.7 The age of the deceased should be the
    basis for applying the multiplier.

    59.8 Reasonable figures on conventional
    heads, namely, loss of estate, loss of
    consortium and funeral expenses should be
    Rs 15,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 15,000
    respectively. The aforesaid amounts should
    be enhanced at the rate of 10% in every three
    years.”

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 24 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    50.Even though the above judgment deals with cases of fatality,
    it is no longer res integra that the above principles apply to
    cases of injury also. Reliance is placed on Pappu De Deo
    Yadav v. Naresh Kumar
    , (2022) 13 SCC 790 wherein it was
    held as follows:

    “7 Two questions arise for consideration : one,
    whether in cases of permanent disablement
    incurred as a result of a motor accident, the
    claimant can seek, apart from compensation
    for future loss of income, amounts for future
    prospects too; and two, the extent of disability.
    On the first question, the High Court no doubt,
    is technically correct in holding that Pranay
    Sethi [National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Pranay
    Sethi
    , (2017) 16 SCC 680 : (2018) 3 SCC
    (Civ) 248 : (2018) 2 SCC (Cri) 205] involved
    assessment of compensation in a case where
    the victim died.
    However, it went wrong in
    saying that later, the three-Judge Bench
    decision in Jagdish [Jagdish v. Mohan, (2018)
    4 SCC 571 : (2018) 3 SCC (Civ) 102 : (2018)
    2 SCC (Cri) 572] was not binding, but rather
    that the subsequent decision
    in Anant [Anant v. Pratap, (2018) 9 SCC 450 :

    (2018) 4 SCC (Civ) 378 : (2018) 3 SCC (Cri)
    756] to the extent that it did not award
    compensation for future prospects, was
    binding. This Court is of the opinion that there
    was no justification for the High Court to have
    read the previous rulings of this Court, to
    exclude the possibility of compensation for
    future prospects in accident cases involving
    serious injuries resulting in permanent
    disablement. Such a narrow reading of Pranay
    Sethi [National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Pranay
    Sethi
    , (2017) 16 SCC 680 : (2018) 3 SCC
    (Civ) 248 : (2018) 2 SCC (Cri) 205] is
    illogical, because it denies altogether the
    possibility of the living victim progressing

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 25 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    further in life in accident cases — and admits
    such possibility of future prospects, in case of
    the victim’s death.”

    51.As per the Aadhar card of injured filed on record the date of
    birth of injured is 21.01.1976. The date of accident is
    20.09.2020. On the date of accident, the injured was 44 years
    and 07 months old. It is submitted that the claimant was doing
    the work of security guard and was earning Rs.29,864/- per
    month. PW-2 has placed on record the service record of the
    claimant which shows that he was earning Rs.19,864/- per
    month at the time of the accident. PW-1 claimant in his
    testimony stated that he was also doing part time job with M/s
    Jatayu Enterprises. Insurance has argued that no service
    record from M/s Jatayu Enterprises is placed on record.
    claimant has placed on record the Identity Card of M/s Jatayu
    Enterprises which is Ex. PW 1/5. The said identity card shows
    issuance date as 08.08.2020 that is well before the accident.
    The said identity card remained unrebutted on record.
    Insurance has failed to bring any positive evidence to show
    that the claimant was not working with the said organization.
    In case Insurance was having objection as to the employment
    of the claimant, they were at liberty to summons the official
    from M/s Jatayu Enterprises. No steps were taken by the
    Insurance company in this regard. There is nothing on record
    to belie version of PW-1 clamant that he was working in two

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 26 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    organization in different shifts as security guard. Accordingly,
    the salary of the claimant is considered as Rs.19,864 +
    Rs.10,000/- = Rs. 29,864/-.

    52.Claimant was 44 years 07 months on the date of accident and
    was in temporary employment. Accordingly, the future
    prospects applicable in this case is 25% which comes to
    Rs.7,466/-. The income after inclusion of future prospects
    comes to Rs.37,330/-.

    53.Annual income is Rs. 37,330 X 12 = Rs.4,47,960/-. Multiplier
    applicable is 14. The loss of future income is 4,47,960 X 14 =
    Rs. 62,71,440/-. As functional disability is 3%, therefore, loss
    of future income will be Rs.62,71,440/- x 3% = Rs.1,88,143/-.

    
    PECUNIARY LOSS
    
    iv.      Expenditure on Treatment
    
    

    54.claimant has claimed a sum of Rs.47,111/- under this head.
    On the other hand the Insurance company has offered a sum
    of Rs.4,059/- under this head in their revised legal offer. Ld.
    Counsel for claimant has argued that they have filed on record
    medial bills amounting to Rs.47,111/- which are Ex. PW 1/8
    (Colly) showing the expenditure incurred by the claimant on
    his treatment. The said bill remained unrebutted on record.
    The Insurance has failed to lead any evidence to dispute the
    authenticity of said bills. In the absence of any counter
    evidence, produced by the insurance company, there is

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 27 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    nothing on record to doubt their authenticity. Accordingly, a
    sum of Rs.47,111/- is awarded under this head.

    v. Expenditure on Conveyance & Special Diet (Pecuniary):

    55.Claimant has claimed a sum of Rs.25,000/- towards
    expenditure on Conveyance. A sum of Rs. 20,000/- is offered
    by the insurance company under this head.

    56.Claimant has claimed a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- towards
    expenditure on special diet. A sum of Rs. 20,000/- is offered
    by the insurance company under this head.

    57.Record shows that the claimant has suffered grievous injuries
    and has also suffered 3% permanent disability. The treatment
    of claimant took place at Lady Hardinge Hospital and he also
    appeared in the hospital for follow up treatment. The claimant
    had to travel a considerable distance for his treatment. It is a
    matter of record that the claimant has suffered grievous
    injuries and he must be requiring special diet. Accordingly, in
    view of the aforesaid, the expenditure on conveyance is
    considered as Rs. 20,000/- and Special Diet is hereby
    quantified as Rs. 30,000/- i.e. 50,000/- in aggregate.

    vi. Expenditure on Attendant (Pecuniary):

    58.Ld. Counsel for claimant contended that claimant has suffered
    fracture. He stated that due to medical exigencies the claimant
    constrained to hire an attendant @ Rs.10,000/- per month and

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 28 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    spent around Rs.1,20,000/- for a period of one year. Insurance
    company has offered a sun of Rs.30,000/- under this head.

    59.As per medical report the claimant has suffered 3%
    permanent disability and it cannot be denied that the services
    of an attendant must have been required. Insurance company
    in their legal offer have admitted that due to the nature of
    injuries claimant suffered loss of income for a period of six
    months. In the present case claimant suffered accident on
    20.09.2020, his plaster cast was opened on 07.11.2020 and
    thereafter he was on follow up treatment. In these
    circumstances, the attendant charges for six months is
    reasonable.

    60.Accordingly, the expenditure towards pre-nursing attendant is
    quantified as Rs.10,000 x 06 = Rs.60,000/-.

    vii.     Cost of Artificial Limb:
    
          61. No claim is made under this head.
    
    i.       Loss of earning capacity
    
    

    62. As discussed above the the loss of his earning capacity is

    already quantified at 3%.

    ii. Loss of Income (during the period of treatment):

    63.The claimant has claimed the loss of income for a period of
    18 months 15 days. It is submitted by Ld. Counsel for
    claimant that PW-2 in his testimony clarified that the claimant

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 29 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    joined the duty on 06.04.2022 after he suffered the accident.
    On the other hand, Ld. Counsel for insurance company
    submitted that as per the medical record the plaster cast of the
    claimant was opened on 07.11.2020 and thereafter the
    claimant has suffered another injuries due to fall from stairs
    which is recorded in the OPD slip dated 20.11.2020 (at P-97
    of DAR). She submitted that Insurance company in the legal
    offer has considered loss of income for six months which is
    reasonable.

    64.It is a matter of record that the claimant was discharged from
    the hospital in a day. Thereafter his plaster cast was opened
    on 07.11.2020. The medical record dated 20.11.2020 (at P-97
    of DAR) records the history of fall from stairs. In these
    circumstances, it cannot be denied that the delay in joining of
    duty may have been caused due to the injuries suffered by the
    claimant later on. The Insurance has already considered the
    loss of income for the period of six months which is
    reasonable as per facts and circumstances. Accordingly, loss
    of income is calculated as Rs.29,864 x 6 = Rs.1,79,184/-.

    iii. Any other loss which may require any special treatment or aid
    to the injured for the rest of his life

    65.No amount is claimed under this head.

    66.Thus, the total amount awarded under Pecuniary damages is:

    DAR No. 590/2021                                               Page. 30 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
                   Sr. No.              Heads                     Amount
    
    
             1.                 Expenditure on treatment             47,111/-
             2.                 Expenditure on Conveyance            20,000/-
             3.                 Expenditure on Special Diet          30,000/-
             4.                 Expenditure on Attendant             60,000/-
             5.                 Cost of Artificial Limb                NIL
             6.                 Loss of income (during              1,79,184/-
                                period of treatment)
             7.                                                        NIL
                                Any other loss which may
                                require        any     special
                                treatment or aid to the
                                injured for the rest of his
                                life
    
    
             8.                                                     1,88,143/-
                                Loss of Future Income &
                                loss of income
    
    
                                                                  Rs. 5,24,438/-
                                TOTAL
    
    
    
    
    DAR No. 590/2021                                                      Page. 31 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
     Non-Pecuniary Heads
    
    iv.      Compensation for Mental & Physical shock, Pain & Suffering
    

    and Loss of amenities (Non-Pecuniary):

    67. As stated above, the claimant had suffered grievous injuries
    and permanent disability in the accident. This Tribunal is
    conscious of the fact that no amount of money can erase the
    trauma and grief that the victim has suffered, or the dignity
    and confidence that was shattered. No amount of money can
    compensate the agony that the victim has undergone, but it is
    hoped that some compensation can go a long way in
    alleviating a bit of the suffering that he has endured. An
    e a r n e s t effort has to be made to compensate him for the
    same in a just and reasonable manner.

    68.The claimant has claimed a sum of Rs.75,000/- towards
    mental and psychological shock, Rs. 75,000/- towards pain
    and suffering, and Rs. 50,000/- towards loss of amenities.

    69.The insurance company in their legal offer has offered a sum
    of Rs.25,000/- (each) for mental and physical shock and for
    pain and suffering. No offer is made for loss of amenities of
    life.

    70.The claimant has suffered grievous injuries and also suffered
    3% permanent disability. Due to injuries claimant was not
    able to join his duty for considerable period of time.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 32 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    71.Hence, keeping in view the extent and nature of the injuries
    suffered by the claimant and duration of the treatment taken
    by him etc., an amount of Rs.30,000/- (each) is being
    awarded to him towards (i) Pain and suffering, and (ii)
    mental and physical shock undergone by him. Further, an
    amount of Rs. 30,000/- is also awarded to him for Loss of
    amenities of life. Thus, compensation for Mental & Physical
    shock, Pain & Suffering and Loss of amenities of life is
    hereby quantified as Rs.90,000/- under this head.

    v. Loss of Marriage Prospects (Non-Pecuniary):

    72.No amount is claimed under this head.

    vi. Disfiguration (Non-Pecuniary):

    73. No amount is claimed by the claimant under this head.

    However, the insurance has made a offer of Rs.25,000/-
    towards disfiguration. The claimant has suffered 3%
    permanent disability due to fracture and it would be prudent
    to award the compensation under this head. Accordingly, a
    sum of Rs.25,000/- is awarded under this head.

    vii. Loss of earnings, inconvenience, hardships, disappointment,
    frustration, mental stress and unhappiness in future life etc. (Non-
    Pecuniary):

    74. A sum of Rs.50,000/- is claimed under this head. No legal
    offer is made by the Insurance company under this head.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 33 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    claimant is already awarded compensation towards pain and
    suffering, loss of income. Keeping in view of the overall
    facts and circumstances, the claim is quantified as Rs.20,000/-
    under this head.

    75.Thus, the total amount awarded under Non- Pecuniary
    damages is:

             Sr. No               Heads                        Amount
                     1.           Compensation for Mental 30,000/-
                                  & Physical shock
                     2.           Pain & Suffering             30,000/-
                     3.           Loss of amenities of life    30,000/-
                     4.           Disfiguration                25,000/-
                     5.           Loss of Marriage Prospects    -NIL-
                     6.           Loss       of    earnings, 20,000/-
                                  inconvenience, hardships,
                                  disappointment,
                                  frustration, mental stress
                                  and unhappiness in future
                                  life etc
    
                                  TOTAL                        1,35,000/-
    
    (b)      Issue No.3: Relief.
    
    i.       Amount of Award:
    
    

    76.Thus, the total amount of award, after adding Pecuniary
    damages (Rs.5,24,438/-) and Non Pecuniary
    damages(Rs.1,35,000/-) amounts to Rs.6,59,438/-.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 34 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    77. Thus, the claimant is awarded as sum of Rs. 6,59,438/- along

    with 9% interest per annum from the date of filing of claim
    petition. The rate of interest has been calculated in terms of
    the succeeding paragraphs.

    ii. Rate of Interest:

    78.It was contended by Ld Counsel for the respondent insurance
    company that the amount of interest ought to at @7.5%, in
    accordance with the general prevalent practice in Courts.
    However, Ld Counsel for the claimant sought 9% as the rate
    of interest.

    79.In order to adjudicate these rival claims, recourse can be had
    to Erudhaya Priya v State Transport Corporation 2020 SCC
    OnLine SC 601 wherein the aspect of rate of interest was
    categorically enunciated as thus:

    (c) The third and the last aspect is the
    interest rate claimed as 12%
    “15.In respect of the aforesaid, the
    appellant has watered down the interest
    rate during the course of hearing to 9% in
    view of the judicial pronouncements
    including in the Jagdish case (supra). On
    this aspect, once again, there was no
    serious dispute raised by the learned
    counsel for the respondent once the claim
    was confined to 9% in line with the
    interest rates applied by this Court”

    80.Ergo, the amount of compensation/award amount will be
    payable by the respondent insurance company with simple
    interest @ 9% p.a from the date of filing of the claim

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 35 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    petition/DAR till actual realisation. The date of filing of DAR
    is 23.12.2021 therefore the amount of Interest is calculated at
    @ 9 % from the date of filing of petition (for 54 months) i.e.
    Rs.2,67,072/-. Thus, the total amount of award is
    Rs.9,26,510/-.

    81.It is also clarified that in case the interest of claimant was
    stopped or excluded during the present inquiry proceedings,
    same is liable to be adjusted from the total interest calculated
    on the Award amount. Similarly, amount awarded and
    released as interim Award, if any, during pendency of the
    case, be deducted from the total compensation.

    DEPOSIT OF AWARD& RELEASE/APPORTIONMENT

    iii. Deposit of Award:

    82.In terms of the mandate of order dated 08.01.2021 in Rajesh
    Tyagi (supra) the respondent Insurance
    Company/driver/owner shall deposit the award amount or
    transfer the same by RTGS/NEFT/IMPS directly to the bank
    account of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in UCO Bank,
    Patiala House Courts within 30 days of the award. The
    respondent(s) held liable to pay compensation by the Claims
    Tribunal shall give notice of deposit of the compensation
    amount to the claimant(s) and shall file a compliance report
    with the Claims Tribunal with respect to the deposit of the

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 36 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    compensation amount within 15 days of the deposit with the
    interest upto the date of notice of deposit to the claimant(s)
    with a copy to their counsel.

    83.Release: In the present matter, out of awarded amount, a sum
    of Rs.2,26,510/- is directed to be released to the claimant
    immediately in his bank account through electronic mode and
    remaining award amount is directed to be kept with UCO
    Bank, Patiala House Court, New Delhi in the Motor Accident
    Claims Annuity Deposit (MACAD) in the form of 36 monthly
    fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) of equal amounts for a period of
    1 to 36 months in succession.

    84.The Nodal officer of the bank shall ensure disbursement of
    the award within 3 weeks of receipt thereof by email or
    otherwise.

    85.The disbursement to the claimant is, however, subject to the
    addition of future interest till deposit proportionately and also
    deduction of proportionate tax on the interest amount or
    amount of interim award, if any, to/from his share.

    iv. Disbursement of the award amount & protection thereof:

    86.The amount of award shall be disbursed through the Motor
    Accident Claims Tribunal Annuity Deposit
    (MACAD)Scheme formulated vide order dated 01.05.2018
    passed in Rajesh Tyagi(supra). 21 banks, including UCO
    Bank, is implementing the MACAD scheme.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 37 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    87.Further, to protect the award amount, the entire amount of
    compensation is not being released forthwith to the claimant,
    and part of the compensation amount has been directed to be
    kept in fixed deposits in a phased manner. Further, the
    following conditions are hereby reiterated and being imposed
    upon the concerned bank with respect to the fixed deposits:

    (a) The bank shall not permit any joint names to be added in
    the savings bank account or MACAD scheme account of
    claimant i.e. the bank account of claimant shall be
    individual account and not a joint account.

    (b) The original fixed deposits shall be retained by the UCO
    Bank, PHC, New Delhi in safe custody. However, the
    statement containing FDR numbers, amounts, dates of
    maturity and maturity amounts shall be furnished by the
    said bank to the claimant and the above amount shall be
    released in account of claimant by the Manager, UCO
    Bank, PHC, ND through RTGS/NEFT/or any other
    electronic mode.

    (c) The monthly interest be credited by Electronic Clearing
    System (ECS) in the saving bank account of the claimant
    near the place of his residence.

    (d) The maturity amount of the FDR(s) on monthly basis net
    of TDS be credited by Electronic Clearing System (ECS)
    in the above account of the claimant.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 38 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    (e) No loan, advance or withdrawal or pre-mature discharge
    be allowed on the MACAD without permission of the
    Court.

    (f) The concerned bank shall not issue any cheque book
    and/or debit card to claimant(s). However, in case the debit
    card and/or cheque book have already been issued, bank
    shall cancel the same before the disbursement of the award
    amount. The bank shall debit card(s) freeze the account of
    the claimant(s) so that no debit card be issued in respect of
    the account of the claimant(s) from any other branch of the
    bank.

    (g) The bank shall make an endorsement on the passbook of
    the claimant(s) to the effect that no cheque book and/or
    debit card have been issued and shall not be issued without
    the permission of the Court and claimant(s) shall produce
    the passbook with the necessary endorsement before the
    Court on the next date fixed for compliance.

    (h) It is clarified that the endorsement made by the bank
    along with the duly signed and stamped by the bank
    official on the passbook(s) of the claimant(s) is sufficient
    compliance of clause above.

    DAR No. 590/2021                                                Page. 39 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
     LIABILITY
    
    

    88.Respondent no. 1 and Respondent no. 2 are jointly and
    severely liable to pay compensation. In the present case, R-2/
    Insurance company has not taken any statutory defence and
    has made a legal offer. The factum of Insurance on the date of
    accident is also admitted by the Insurance company.

    89.Accordingly, the Insurance Company is directed to pay award
    amount to the claimant. Insurance Company is directed to
    deposit the award amount with UCO Bank, Patiala House
    Court Branch, along with interest @ 9% per annum from the
    date of filing of claim petition by RTGS/NEFT/IMPS in bank
    account being maintained in the above said bank in name of
    the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal within 30 days from
    today, failing which it is liable to pay interest at the rate of 9%
    per annum for the period of delay. In case even after lapse of
    90 days from today, respondent no. 2 fails to deposit this
    compensation with interest, in that event, in light of judgment
    of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi passed in the case of New
    India Assurance Company Limited Vs. Kashmiri Lal
    2007
    ACJ 688, this compensation shall be recovered by attaching
    the bank account of respondent no. 2 with a cost of Rs.5,000/-

    90.The respondent no. 2 shall inform the claimant and his
    counsel that the awarded amount has been deposited so as to
    facilitate him to collect the same.

    DAR No. 590/2021                                                Page. 40 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
     SUMMARY OF COMPUTATION OF AWARD AMOUNT                              IN
    INJURY CASES
    
    

    91.Since this is a case pertaining to injury, particulars of Form-

    XVI of the Scheme For Motor Accidents Claims Formulated
    by the Delhi High Court in terms of order dated 08.01.2021 in
    Rajesh Tyagi (supra) are as under:

    1. Date of accident : 20.09.2020

    2. Name of the injured : Sh. Chandrahas Pandey

    3. Age of the injured : 44 Years 07 months

    4. Occupation of the injured : Private Job.

    5. Income of the injured : Rs. 29,864/-

    6. Nature of injury : Grievous

    7. Medical treatment taken by : Yes
    the injured

    8. Period of hospitalization : As per record

    9. Whether any permanent : Yes. 3% Permanent disability.

    disability?

    10. Computation of Compensation
    Sr.No. Heads

    11. Pecuniary Loss

    (i) Expenditure on treatment : Rs.47,111/-

    (ii) Expenditure on conveyance : Rs 20,000 /-

    (iii) Expenditure on special diet : Rs.30,000/-

    (iv) Cost of nursing/attendant : Rs 60,000 /-

       (v)      Cost of artificial limb        -NIL-
       (vi)     Loss of earning capacity     : 3%
      (vii) Loss of Income during            : Rs.1,79,184/-
            period of treatment
    
    
    DAR No. 590/2021                                            Page. 41 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
      (viii) Any other loss which may               -NIL-
            require any special treatment
            or aid to the injured for the
            rest of his life.
       12.      Non-pecuniary Loss:
        (i)     Compensation for mental        : Rs. 30,000/-
                and physical shock
       (ii)     Pain and suffering             : Rs. 30,000/-
      (iii)     Loss of amenities of life      :
                                                 Rs.30,000/-
      (iv)      Disfiguration                  : Rs. 25,000/-
       (v)      Loss of marriage prospects :       -NIL-
       (vi)     Loss of earning,               :   Rs.20,000/-
                inconvenience, hardships,
                disappointment,frustration,
                mental stress, dejectment
                and unhappiness in future
                life etc.
      13.       Disability resulting in
                loss of earning capacity
      (i)       Percentage of disability :         3%
                assessed and nature of
                disability as permanent or
                temporary
      (ii)      Loss of amenities or loss of :     NIL
                expectation of life span on
                account of disability.
     (iii)      Percentage of loss of :            3%
                earning relation to disability
     (iv)       Loss of future income &        :   Rs.1,88,143/-
                earning capacity
      14.       Total Compensation                 Rs.6,59,438/-
      15.       Interest Awarded               :
      16.       Interest amount up to the      : Rs.2,67,072/-
    
    
    DAR No. 590/2021                                               Page. 42 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
                 date of award (54 Months)
      17.       Total amount including            : Rs. 9,26,510/-
                interest
      18.       Award amount released    : Rs.2,26,510/-
    

    19. Award amount kept in the : The remaining awarded amount be
    FDRs/ Motor Accident invested and deposited in 36 monthly
    Claims Annuity Deposit fixed deposits receipts (FDR) of equal
    (MACAD) amounts for a period of 36 months as
    per Motor Accident Claims Annuity
    Deposits Schemes.

    20. Mode of disbursement of : ECS
    the award amount to the
    petitioner (s)

    21. Next date for compliance : 13.08.2026
    of the award

    COMPLIANCE QUA PROVISIONS OF THE SCHEME

    92.The particulars of Form XVII of the Scheme For Motor
    Accidents Claims Formulated by the Delhi High Court , in
    terms of order dated 08.01.2021 in Rajesh Tyagi (supra) are
    as hereunder:

    1. Date of the accident 20.09.2020

    2. Date of filing of Form I- First N.A.
    Accident Report (FAR)

    3. Date of delivery of Form-II to the N.A.
    victim(s)

    4. Date of receipt of Form-III from the N.A.
    Driver

    5. Date of receipt of Form-IV from the N.A.
    owner

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 43 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    6. Date of filing of the Form-V- N.A.
    Interim Accident Report (IAR)

    7. Date of receipt of Form-VIA and N.A.
    Form VIB from the Victim (s)

    8. Date of filing of Form-VII-Detailed 11.02.2022
    Accident Report (DAR)

    9. Whether there was any delay or No.
    deficiency on the part of the
    Investigating Officer? If so, whether
    any action/direction warranted?

    10. Date of appointment of the
    Designated Officer by the Insurance
    Company.

    11. Whether the Designated Officer of No.
    the Insurance Company submitted
    his report within 30 days of the
    DAR?

    12. Whether there was any delay or No
    deficiencies on the part of the
    Designated Officer of the Insurance
    Company? If so, whether any
    action/direction warranted?

    13. Date of response of the NA
    petitioner(s) of the offer of the
    Insurance Company.

    14. Date of the Award 11.07.2026

    15. Whether the petitioner(s) were Yes.

    directed to open savings bank
    account(s) near their place of
    residence?

    16. Date of order by which petitioner(s) 11.02.2022
    were directed to open savings bank

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 44 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    account(s) near his place of
    residence and produce PAN Card
    and Adhaar Card and the direction
    to the bank not issue any cheque
    book/debit card to the petitioner (s)
    and make an endorsement to this
    effect on the passbook(s).

    17. Date on which the petitioner(s) NA
    produced the passbook of their
    savings bank account near the place
    of their residence along with the
    endorsement, PAN Card and
    Adhaar Card?

    18. Permanent Residential Address of As mentioned above.

    the petitioner(s)

    19. Whether the petitioner(s) savings NA
    bank account(s) is near his place of
    residence?

    20. Whether the petitioner(s) were No
    examined at the time of passing of
    the award to ascertain his/their
    financial condition?

    93.Further, in terms of the directions given vide order dated
    08.01.2021 in Rajesh Tyagi (supra), the Ahlmad shall send a
    certified copy of this award to the concerned Criminal Court
    and to the Delhi State Legal Services Authority through e-
    mail. Copy of the award be also sent to the bank concerned.
    The Nazir is directed to maintain the record in Form XVIII as
    per the directions given in the above case.

    DAR No. 590/2021 Page. 45 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.

    94. File be consigned to record room after completion of

    necessary formalities. Separate file be prepared for
    compliance report and be put up on 13.08.2026.

                                                                            Digitally signed
                                                                            by Abhilash
                                                                 Abhilash Malhotra
                                                                          Date:
                                                                 Malhotra 2026.07.11
    Announced in the open court                                             11:23:46
                                                                            +0530
    on 11.07.2026
                                                            (Abhilash Malhotra)
                                                            Judge/PO, MACT-02,
                                                           New Delhi/ 11.07.2026
    DLND010088782021
    
    
    
    
    DAR No. 590/2021                                                         Page. 46 of 46
    Chandrahas Pandey Vs Ajay & Anr.
     



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