JUDGMENT
H.G. Ramesh, J.
1. With the consent of learned Counsel appearing for the parties, the appeal is heard on merits and is being disposed of by this judgment.
2. This appeal is by the claimant against dismissal of his claim for compensation for the injuries suffered by him in a motor accident that occurred on 12.11.1994. The claim was presented on 23.4.1997. The Tribunal has dismissed the claim on the ground that it was not permissible in law to condone the delay of more than 6 months in presenting the claim in view of Section 166(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (for short, ‘the Act’) as it stood as on the date of accident.
3. Learned Counsel appearing for the appellant submitted that in view of omission of Sub-section (3) of Section 166 of the Act by Act 54 of 1994, there is no period of limitation for filing the claim petitions under the Act. She relied on the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. C. Padma 2003 ACJ 1999 (SC), in support of her submission. She submitted that in view of the law laid down by the Supreme Court, the reasoning of the Tribunal in dismissing the claim application is unsustainable in law.
4. Learned Counsel appearing for the respondents rightly did not dispute the aforesaid submissions.
5. In view of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court referred to above, I hold that there is no period of limitation prescribed for filing claims for compensation under Section 166 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and that the date of accident is immaterial. Accordingly, the impugned judgment is liable to be set aside.
6. In the result, I make the following order:
(i) The impugned judgment and award of the Tribunal is set aside. The matter is remanded to the Tribunal for fresh disposal in accordance with law.
(ii) The appeal is allowed in the above terms. No costs.