ORDER
Bhawani Singh, CJ.
1. This appeal is directed against award dated 13-3-1995 of Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Bhopal in M.C.C. No. 263 of 1990.
2. S.K. Trivedi was going on his scooter CIW 5860 on 3-1-1990 from Aradhana Nagar to Bus Stop No. 7 with Smt. Archana Trivedi (wife) on pillion seat. When they reached Nutan College at 5.30 p.m. driving the scooter with moderate speed of 20 kms. per hour, truck No. M.P.F. 7090 came with high speed driven rashly and negligently dashed against the scooter resulting in serious injuries to the claimant and his wife Smt. Archana Trivedi and she died of the same.
3. The matter was reported to the Police of Habibganj, Bhopal and Crime No. 10 of 1990 was registered. It is stated that the deceased was graduate from Jiwaji Rao University, Gwalior and was desirous of Government service which she was likely to get very soon. At the time of accident, she was doing knitting and weaving work at home and earning more than Rs. 1500.00 per month. Due to this accident, the claimant has been deprived of matrimonial life and put to lot of difficulties in life apart from suffering pain. Hence, claim of compensation of Rs. 15,70,000.00 has been made. The Claims Tribunal has admitted the case set up by the claimant and rejected the defence of the respondents that scooter was being driven rashly and negligently and that the truck driver did not possess valid driving licence. Compensation of Rs. 62,100.00 has been awarded carrying interest at the rate of 12% per annum from the date of application till payment. The claimant is not satisfied with this award, therefore, it has been challenged through this appeal and prayer for enhancement is made.
4. Parties heard and record perused. First question for examination is what compensation is payable to the claimant in this case. Claimant has himself stated that the deceased was earning Rs. 1500.00 per month at the time of accident. It is in evidence that deceased was 19 years old at that time and she was married with claimant about ten months back from the date of accident. Shri S.K. Rao, learned counsel for the Insurance Company submits that after the accident, claimant has married, therefore, he is not entitled to compensation. The deceased was an educated woman. She was graduate from Jiwaji Rao University Gwalior, therefore, there was every possibility of her taking up service and earning handsome salary. However, at the time of accident, she was doing weaving and knitting work. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to fix her annual income at Rs. 15,000.00. After reducing 1/3rd towards
personal expenses, annual dependency would come to Rs. 10,000.00. She was 19 years old at the time of accident, therefore, proper multiplier in this case should be 16. As such the compensation payable in this case come to Rs. 1,60,000 (10,000.00 x 16). In addition to this amount, the claimant shall be entitled to Rs. 5000.00 towards consortium, Rs. 2000.00 towards funeral expenses, Rs. 2500.00 towards loss to the estate and Rs. 10,000.00 for loss of expectancy of life – taking the total amount of compensation to Rs. 1,89,500,00. The amount of compensation shall carry interest at the rate of 12% per annum from the date of application till payment.
5. Contention of Shri S.K. Rao, that the claimant had married after the accident is not sustainable for variety of reasons. This fact is not borne out from the record. The statement of claimant was recorded in 1994 and the accident had taken place on 3-1-1990. Claimant had not been confronted with this fact during the time when his statement was recorded before the Claims Tribunal. Further on the date of accident, the deceased was wife of the claimant, therefore, he can not be deprived of the compensation to which he is entitled due to the death of deceased in this accident. But for this accident, he could not have contracted the marriage at this stage.
6. Consequently, the appeal is allowed to the extent aforesaid. Costs on parties.
7. Misc. Appeal allowed.