Subba Reddy vs Narayanamma .Y on 18 July, 2026

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    Bangalore District Court

    Subba Reddy vs Narayanamma .Y on 18 July, 2026

    KABC020362462022
    
    
       IN THE COURT OF THE XI ADDL. SMALL CAUSES AND
              ADDL. MACT., BENGALURU, (SCCH-12)
                     Present: Smt.Vidyalaxmi Bhat
                                        B.A, LL.B.,(Hon's) LL.M.
                    XI Addl. Small Causes Judge & ACJM,
                            Court of Small Causes,
                        Member, MACT-12, Bengaluru.
                    Dated this the 18th day of July, 2026
                           MVC No.3488/2023
    Petitioner/s:          1. Sri.Subba Reddy
                           S/o Maddi Reddy
                           Since Dead by his L.R's.
                           (a) L.R.1. Narasamma
                           W/o Late Subba Reddy
                           Aged about 65 years
                           (b) L.R.2 Manjunatha
                           S/o Late Subba Reddy
                           Aged about 46 years
                           Both are R/o Solamakalapalli Village,
                           Mittemari Hobli, Bagepalli Taluk
                           Chikkaallapur District
                           (c) L.R.3. Sumithramma
                           D/o Late Subba Reddy
                           W/o Manjunatha.B
                           R/o Kuthapalli Road, 6th Ward,
                           Bagepalli Taluk, Chikkaballapur District.
                           (By Sri.A.N.Prabhakar Reddy, Adv.)
    
                                     V/s
    Respondent/s:          1. Smt. Y.Narayanamma
                           W/o Yeddu Venkatesh
                           Major
     (SCCH-12)                         2                     MVC. No.3488/2023
    
    
    
    
                              R/o Kalvakatta Street, Proddatur,
                              YSR Kadapa-516360.
                              (R.C. owner of Hero Splendor Plus
                              bearing Reg.No.AP-39/KL/8622)
                              2. M/s. TATA AG General Insurance Co.
                              Ltd, 3rd Floor, J.P and Devi.
                              Jambukeshwara Arcade, 69, Millers
                              Road, Bengaluru-52.
                              (Vide certificate No.3193856004/
                              000000/00
                              Valid from 9/8/2021 to 8/8/2026.
                              (R-1 By Sri.K.M.Nataraja Murthy, Adv.)
                              R-2 By Sri.Muralidhar Negavar., Adv.)
    
                                  JUDGMENT
    

    By this judgment, this tribunal shall decide the petition
    initially filed by petitioner Subba Reddy S/o Maddi Reddy and
    during the pendency of petition, he died and his L.R’s continued
    the case under Section 166 of M.V.Act, 1989 seeking
    compensation of Rs.25,00,000/- in respect of his death in Road
    Traffic Accident.

    2. It is stated in the petition that, on 02.05.2022 petitioner
    was riding two wheeler bearing No.KA-40-EF-5430 from
    Yeralakkenahalli cross at 10.20 am and at that time, rider of
    another motor cycle bearing No.AP-39-KL-8622 came from
    Bagepalli side in rash and negligent manner, lost control over
    his vehicle and dashed to the two wheeler of petitioner. That
    due to the impact, petitioner sustained multiple head injuries
    and the rider of motor cycle bearing No. AP-39-KL-8622 fled
    away from the spot. That immediately he was shifted to Govt.

    SPONSORED
     (SCCH-12)                    3                    MVC. No.3488/2023
    
    
    
    
    hospital,    Chikkaballapura     then   to   M.S.Ramaiah    hospital
    

    wherein he was admitted as inpatient from 25.05.2022 to
    30.05.2022. That amount of Rs.3,00,000/- is spent towards
    hospital, pharmacy, attendant, conveyance, food and
    nourishment charges. That petitioner had sustained traumatic
    cervical spine injury, C-2 vertebral body fracture, C-4, C-5
    lamina fracture, and injury to left hand.

    3. That Gudibande police have registered Crime No.72/2022
    for the offence p/u/s 279, 337 of IPC against the rider of motor
    cycle bearing no. AP-39-KL-8622. That petitioner is aged 65
    years doing agriculture, sericulture and dairy farming. That he
    was earning Rs.50,000/- per month. Due to accidental injuries
    he has sustained pain and also lost income, that he is suffering
    from permanent disability. That the accident is caused due to
    negligent riding by the rider of motor cycle bearing no. AP-39-
    KL-8622. 1st respondent is the owner and 2nd respondent is
    insurer of motor cycle bearing no. AP-39-KL-8622, they are
    liable to pay compensation to the petitioner. On these grounds
    he prayed to allow the petition.

    4. During the pendency of the case, applicants claiming to be
    wife and 2 major children of the petitioner, stating that they are
    L.R’s of the petitioners have filed application to come on record.
    They have contended that petitioner died due to the accidental
    injuries on 06.01.2024. their application is allowed and they
    have come on record as L.R’s of petitioner and continued the
    case.

    (SCCH-12) 4 MVC. No.3488/2023

    5. On issuance of notice, respondent no.1 and 2 are served.
    They appeared before this court through their respective
    counsel. Only 2nd respondent insurance company has filed
    written statement. The written statement of respondent no.1
    was taken as not filed.

    6. 2nd respondent contended that it has issued the policy to
    two wheeler bearing no. AP-39-KL-8622 which is subject to
    terms and conditions. Protection under Section 150 of IMV Act
    is sought. That there is delay of one day in filing first
    information and FIR is filed on twisting the facts only to have
    compensation. There is no nexus between the accidental
    injuries and the death of the petitioner. That rider of motor
    cycle bearing no. AP-39-KL-8622 had no valid driving licence.
    That petitioner died due to old age and not due to accidental
    injuries. It has denied the age, income and death of the
    petitioner due to accidental injuries. That the accident occurred
    due to sole negligence of deceased who was rider of 3 rd party
    motor cycle but false case is filed against rider of motor cycle
    bearing no. AP-39-KL-8622. On all these grounds 2nd
    respondent insurance company prayed to dismiss the claim
    petition.

    7. On the basis of above pleadings, this Tribunal has framed
    following;

    ISSUES

    1. Whether the petitioners prove they are the
    only LR’s of one Subbareddy and competent
    persons to file this petition?

    (SCCH-12) 5 MVC. No.3488/2023

    2. Whether petitioners prove that on
    02.05.2022 at about 10.20 AM when one
    Subbareddy was riding two wheeler bearing
    No.KA-40-EF-5430 on Yeralakkenahalli cross,
    at that time, another two wheeler bearing Reg.
    No.AP-39-KL-8622 ridden by its rider in rash
    and negligent manner and dashed to
    Subbareddy and caused accident due to which
    he sustained grievous injuries and died
    subsequently due to the injuries sustained in
    the accident?

    3. Whether the petitioners are entitled for
    compensation? If so by whom and what is the
    quantum?

    4.What Order or Award?

    8. To prove their case, petitioner no.2 son of the deceased
    entered into witness box and got examined as P.W.1. Through
    him Ex.P.1 to P.27 documents are marked. Doctor by name
    Sri.Parichay .J. Perical is examined as P.W.2 and through him
    Ex.P.28 is marked. Both of them are cross examined.
    Respondents have not led any oral and documentary evidence.

    9. Heard the arguments of learned counsel for both sides
    and perused the records. The learned counsel for petitioner has
    relied upon following judgments in support of his claim.,

    (i) Dhannalal (dead) through Lrs V/s Nasir Kahan and
    others, 2025 ACJ 216.

    (ii) The Oriental Insurance Company Limited V/s Kahlon @
    Jasmail Singh Kahlon, C.A. No.4800 of 2021, The Hon’ble
    Supreme Court.

    (iii) Abdul Rahim and another V/s Sundaresan and another,
    2011 ACJ 2197.

    (SCCH-12) 6 MVC. No.3488/2023

    (iv) Khairullah @ Babu, V/s Anita @ Amruthalal Patel, 1993
    Supreme (AP) 564.

    10. The learned counsel for 2nd respondent has relied upon
    following judgments in support of his defence,

    (i) M.Narayanappa Dead by his L.Rs Smt. Ramakka and
    another V/s M/s. Shiva Shakthi Bio Planetic Ltd and
    another, M.F.A. No.359 of 2013 (MV), The Hon’ble High
    Court of Karantaka.

    (ii) United India Insurance Co. Ltd V/s Smt. Mobina Banji
    and others, M.F.A. No.10092 of 2012 (MV-D), The Hon’ble
    High Court of Karantaka.

    (iii) The National Insurance Company Ltd V/s Ahmed Pasha
    and others, M.F.A. No.201456/2014 (MV), The Hon’ble High
    Court of Karantaka, Kalaburagi Bench.

    (iv) Deep Shikha and another V/s National Insurance Co.
    Ltd, 2025 ACJ 1236.

    11. On taking into consideration the oral and documentary
    evidence placed before this Tribunal and on hearing arguments,
    my answers to the above issues as under:

    Issue No.1 : In the Affirmative
    Issue No.2 : In the Affirmative
    Issue No.3 : Partly in the Affirmative
    Issue No.4 : As per final order, for the following;

    REASONS

    12. ISSUE NO.1 : Petitioners to prove that they are L.R’s of
    deceased Sri. Subba Reddy, 1st petitioner wife, 2nd and 3rd
    (SCCH-12) 7 MVC. No.3488/2023

    petitioners are major children of deceased. 2nd petitioner son of
    deceased got examined as P.W.1. In his chief examination he
    has stated that 1st petitioner is his mother, he himself is 2 nd
    petitioner and 3rd petitioner is his sister. He has produced
    family tree and family tree certificate at Ex.P.21 and 22. On
    perusal of those documents it can be seen that, they are the
    members of one family and legal representatives of the deceased
    petitioner. Therefore, in the absence of any contrary evidence
    regarding relationship, petitioners are held to be LRs of
    deceased and competent persons to file this petition.
    Accordingly, this issue is answered in the Affirmative.

    13. ISSUE NO 2: Petitioners, to prove the negligence on part
    of the two wheeler rider, son of the deceased got examined as
    P.W.1. In his chief examination he reiterated the petition
    averments. He has relied upon crime records of Crime
    No.72/2022 of Gudibande P.S and medical records of deceased
    Sri.Subbareddy.

    14. On perusal of those documents it can be seen that, P.W.1
    who is son of the deceased himself is the first informant. One
    day after the accident, information is given to Gudibande P.S.
    Accident took place on 02.05.2022 and FIR is registered by
    Gudibande P.S. on 03.05.2022. For delay in giving first
    information, it is stated that first informant was held up in
    arranging treatment for the victim. It is mentioned in the first
    information that on 02.05.2022 at 7.00 a.m son of first
    informant by name Mahantesh and father of 1st informant by
    name Subbareddy both were going on two wheeler bearing
    (SCCH-12) 8 MVC. No.3488/2023

    no.KA-40-EF-5430 at that time, when they reached Bogenahalli
    cross, one two wheeler bearing no.AP-39-KL-8622 driven by its
    rider in rash and negligent manner dashed to the two wheeler in
    which Subbareddy was traveling. Both the rider and pillion
    rider fell down and sustained injuries. The rider of two wheeler
    bearing no.AP-39-KL-8622 fled away from the spot. This
    information is given by son of first informant over the phone
    and immediately first informant went to the spot. Victims were
    shifted by ambulance to Chikkaballapura Govt. hospital and
    from there to M.S.Ramaiah hospital for higher treatment. That
    accident is caused by the rider of two wheeler bearing no.AP-
    39-KL-8622 and action may be taken against him.

    15. On the basis of this first information, FIR in
    Cri.No.72/2022 is registered against the aforesaid two wheeler
    rider for the offence p/u/s 279, 337 of IPC and Sec.187 of IMV
    Act. On 04.05.2022 i.e., after next day of the first information,
    spot panchanama is conducted in the spot shown by P.W.1. The
    spot of accident is NH-44. Two wheeler in which victim was
    traveling is found in the spot and it is entirely damaged.
    Subsequently the offending two wheeler bearing no.AP-39-KL-
    8622 was also seized by the police. Both the vehicles were
    subjected to IMV inspection in which front side of victim’s
    vehicle and front headlight mask of offending vehicle got
    damaged. There were no mechanical defects in both vehicles.

    16. As per the wound certificate Sri.Subbareddy was admitted
    to Govt.hospital, Chikkaballapura with history of RTA with two
    (SCCH-12) 9 MVC. No.3488/2023

    bikes at around 10.30 am. The injuries mentioned in the wound
    certificate is as under:

    i. Head injury over parietal region around 4 cm.
    ii. Difficulty in moving left leg.
    iii. Traumatic cervical spine injury C2 vertebral body fracture
    iv. C4 and C5 lamina fracture.

    All the above injuries are said to be grievous in nature. As per
    the final report charge sheet is filed against the rider of
    offending two wheeler bearing no.AP-39-KL-8622 for the offence
    p/u/s 279, 338 of IPC and Sec.187 of IMV Act.

    17. Charge sheet is filed to court on 17.10.2022 before the
    death of Sri.Subbareddy. As such, there is no Sec.304(A) of IPC
    in the final report. As per Ex.P.11 and 12 order sheet in
    C.C.NO.380/2022 of Hon’ble Magistrate Court of Gudibande,
    accused as pleaded guilty of the alleged offenses and paid fine.
    As per the discharge summary produced at Ex.P.20 which is
    issued by St.Johns Medical College Subbareddy was admitted
    on 14.03.2023 with the known comorbidities of hypertension
    with the history of RTA in May 2022.

    18. In this background, facts of the present case has to be
    examined. The documents produced by the petitioner show that
    Subbareddy had sustained accident and he was admitted to
    hospital with history of RTA on 02.05.2022. The rider who
    caused accident has pleaded guilty before the competent court.
    According to 2nd respondent insurance company the death is not
    caused due to the accidental injuries. In support of the said
    contention insurance company has not led any evidence but
    (SCCH-12) 10 MVC. No.3488/2023

    cross examined P.W.1 and 2. The material suggestions of
    insurance company are denied by P.W.1 and 2.

    19. To show that Subbareddy died due to accidental injuries
    petitioners have relied upon outpatient records, discharge
    summaries, prescriptions and medical bills and also I.P file
    produced by doctor at Ex.P.28. On careful perusal of those
    documents it can be seen that Subbareddy was admitted to
    M.S.Ramaiah hospital from 25.05.2022 to 30.05.2022, to
    General hospital, Bagepalli from 07.06.2022 to 09.06.2022, to
    M.S. Ramaiah hospital again from 28.11.2022 to 08.12.2022
    and then to St.Johns Medical college from 14.03.2023 to
    20.03.2023. He has been under treatment during the said
    period. His death occurred on 06.01.2024. There is only gap of
    9 months from the last discharge to the date of death. The
    injuries sustained is relating to spinal cord and head of the
    deceased. There are all chances that such injury would cause
    subsequent death as per the evidence of doctor P.W.2. Material
    suggestions are denied by P.W.2. He has stated that since it is
    spinal cord injury, the disability may not be reduced.

    20. Though respondents contended that, there was no nexus
    between accident and the subsequent death of Sri.Subbareddy,
    they have not led any evidence in support of their contention.
    The deceased having crossed 65 years, the injury to spinal cord
    may have resulted in is death as per the available evidence on
    record. No doubt there is no post mortem report to support the
    contention of the petitioners. But as per the judgments relied by
    the petitioners, only on that ground, claim cannot be rejected.

    (SCCH-12) 11 MVC. No.3488/2023

    The same is held in the case of Abdul Rahim and another V/s
    Sundaresan and another, 2011 ACJ 2197 of Hon’ble
    Madras High Court. In that view of the matter, this tribunal is
    of the opinion that there is nexus between accidental injuries
    and subsequent death of Sri.Subbareddy. Accordingly, this
    issue is answered in the Affirmative.

    21. ISSUE NO.3 : In view of above reasons petitioners are
    entitled for compensation. To prove the age of the deceased
    petitioners have not produced any documents. As per the FIR it
    is mentioned that deceased was aged about 68 years. As per
    claim petition it is stated that he was aged 65 years. But no
    supporting documents is produced. P.W.1 admitted that
    deceased was aged above 66 years. Since FIR is the first
    document in which victim’s (deceased) age is mentioned, the
    same is considered as the age of the deceased at the time of
    accident. After 1 year 8 months from the date of accident, death
    has taken place. As such, age of the deceased is considered as
    69 years at the time of his death.

    22. It is stated that he was agriculturist, sericulturist and
    doing dairy farming at the time of accident and earning
    Rs.50,000/- per month. No document is produced to show his
    income. Hence, notional income has to be considered. Accident
    having taken place in 2022, the notional income of deceased is
    considered as Rs.15,500/-. In the petition it is stated that all
    the petitioners were depending upon the deceased. They are
    wife and major children of the deceased. Their separate income
    is not proved. Therefore all of them are considered as
    (SCCH-12) 12 MVC. No.3488/2023

    dependents for the purpose of grant of compensation. The
    quantum of compensation is determined as under;

    23. Medical bills : Petitioners have produced medical bills at
    Ex.P.26 and pharmacy bills at Ex.P.27. Totally they have spent
    amount of Rs.78,517/-and Rs.88,315/- under those bills.
    Totally they have spent Rs.1,66,832/-. The said expenses is due
    to the accident caused to him. Therefore, petitioners are entitled
    for medical expenses of Rs.1,66,832/-

    24. Food nourishment, attendant and conveyance charges:

    From 02.05.2022 till 06.01.2024 deceased was either under
    treatment or under rest. Hence, family of the deceased has
    spent money for food, nourishment, attendant and conveyance
    charges to go to hospital as and when necessary for a period of
    1 year 8 months. Hence, Rs.40,000/- is awarded under this
    head.

    25. Loss of income during laid up period: For more than 1 ½
    year i.e., 20 months. Therefore loss of income during laid up
    period is 15,500/- X 20 months = Rs.3,10,000/- is awarded.

    26. Loss of dependency : As per the Praney Sethi case future
    prospects of the deceased will have to be added to the monthly
    income. The deceased aged above 60 years no future prospects
    has to be added. Further deceased being married having 3
    dependents 1/3rd of his income shall be deducted towards his
    personal expenses. That is Rs.15,500/- (-) 5,166/-
    =Rs.10,334 /-. Hence, the loss of dependency is calculated as
    under;

     (SCCH-12)                     13                      MVC. No.3488/2023
    
    
    
    
    Rs. 10,334 X 12 months                        = Rs.1,24,008/-
    Rs.1,24,008/- X 05 multiplier
    to the age group above 65 years               = Rs.6,20,040/-
    

    As such, loss of dependency of the petitioners due to the death
    of their family member is Rs.6,20,040/-.

    27. Loss of love and affection: Petitioners being L.R’s of the
    deceased have lost the love and affection of their family
    member. Therefore, for loss of love and affection compensation
    has to be granted. There is no hard and fast rule in respect of
    measuring love and affection but, in the opinion of this court if
    amount of Rs.50,000/- is awarded for loss of love and affection,
    the interest of justice would be met. Accordingly, amount of
    Rs.50,000/- is awarded.

    28. Loss of Consortium, loss of estate and funeral
    expenses: As per the judgment in Praney Sethi’s case, the
    quantum of compensation for Loss of Consortium is fixed @
    Rs.40,000/- and loss of estate and funeral expenses is fixed @
    Rs.15,000/- respectively and it is revisable at 10% every 3
    years. As such, accident having taken place in the year 2022,
    under the head of loss of estate Rs.16,500/-, for funeral
    expenses Rs.16,500/- and for loss of consortium Rs.44,000/-
    each to petitioner No.1 to 3 is awarded. Hence, the petitioners
    are entitled for compensation as under:

    Sl.No Particulars of Heads Amount in Rs.

    1. Medical bills : 1,66,832/-

     (SCCH-12)                   14                    MVC. No.3488/2023
    
    
    
    
    2.     Food nourishment,                             40,000/-
           attendant and conveyance
                                              :
            charges:
    3.     Loss of income during laid         :         3,10,000/-
           up period
    4.     Loss of Dependency             :            6,20,040/-
    5.     Loss of love & affection       :              50,000/-
    6.     Loss of Consortium to :                     1,32,000 /-
           petitioner   No.1   to  3
           ( Rs.44,000/- each X 3)
    7.     Loss of estate            :                   16,500/-
    
    8.     Funeral expenses               :              16,500/-
    
                    TOTAL                 :       Rs.13,51,872/-
    
    
    

    Therefore, this court holds that the petitioners are entitled for a
    compensation of Rs.13,51,872/-. Since there is valid insurance
    policy, 2nd respondent insurance company is liable to pay
    compensation to petitioners. Hence, I answer this Issue in
    “Partly in the Affirmative”.

    29. ISSUE No.4: Petitioners have sought for compensation of
    Rs.25,00,000/- in respect of death of Subba Reddy in road
    traffic accident. As per the settled law, the interest that could be
    awarded on the compensation is only 6% p.a. from the date of
    filing of the petition till the payment. They being wife and major
    children of the deceased are entitled for compensation in the
    apportionment of 70:15:15. Hence, I proceed to pass the
    following;

    (SCCH-12) 15 MVC. No.3488/2023

    ORDER
    The petition filed by the petitioners
    u/Sec.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act is
    hereby partly allowed with costs.

    It is held that, petitioners are entitled
    for total compensation of Rs.13,51,872/-
    with interest @ 6% p.a. on the said
    amount from the date of petition till the
    date of payment.

    In view of valid insurance policy,
    respondent no.2 shall indemnify the
    insured and hereby directed to deposit
    the entire compensation amount with
    interest before this court within 60 days
    from the date of this order.

    Petitioners being wife and major
    children of the deceased are entitled for
    compensation in the apportionment of
    70:15:15.

    In such apportionment entire
    compensation shall be released to
    petitioners without making FD.

    The Advocate fee is fixed at
    Rs.1,000/-.

    Award be drawn accordingly.

    (Dictated to the stenographer directly on computer, typed by her, corrected, signed and
    then pronounced in the Open Court on this 18th day of July, 2026)

    (Vidyalaxmi Bhat)
    XI Addl. Small Causes Judge
    and ACJM, Bangalore.

     (SCCH-12)                16                   MVC. No.3488/2023
    
    
    
    
                            ANNEXURE
    

    Witnesses examined for the petitioner :-

    P.W.1          Manjunatha
    P.W.2           Parichay. J Perikal
    

    Documents marked for the petitioner :-

    Ex.P.1 FIR in Cr.No.72/2022 of Gudibande PS
    Ex.P.2 First information
    Ex.P.3 Spot panchanama
    Ex.P.4 Vehicle seizer panchanama
    Ex.P.5 & 6 IMV reports
    Ex.P.7 IMV notice
    Ex.P.8 Answer to IMV notice
    Ex.P.9 Wound certificate
    Ex.P.10 Final report
    Ex.P.11 Accusation in CC No.380/2022
    Ex.P.12 Copy of order sheet in CC No.380/2022
    Ex.P.13 R.C. extract
    Ex.P.14 Insurance policy of vehicle two wheeler
    Engine No.HA11EYM6G04930
    Ex.P.15 & 16 OPD records ( 2 in nos)
    Ex.P.17 to 20 Discharge summaries ( 4 in nos)
    Ex.P.21 Family tree
    Ex.P.22 Family tree certificate
    Ex.P.23 Notarized copy of Aadhaar card of
    Narasamma
    Ex.P.24 Notarized copy of Aadhaar card of Manjunath
    Ex.P.25 Prescriptions ( 31 in nos)
    Ex.P.26 Medical bills ( 23 in nos)
    Ex.P.27 Pharmacy bills ( 96 in nos)
    (SCCH-12) 17 MVC. No.3488/2023

    Ex.P.28 IP file of Subbareddy ( 2 in nos)

    Witnesses examined for the respondents :-

    -NONE-

    Documents marked for the respondents :-

    -NIL-

    (Vidyalaxmi Bhat),
    XI Addl. Small Causes Judge
    and ACJM, Bangalore.



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