In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has placed full and entire blame on the driver of a canter truck for a tragic 2014 accident that claimed a young man's life. The court substantially enhanced the compensation awarded to the victim's grieving parents from approximately Rs 1.25 crore to a staggering Rs 3.66 crore.
Court Overturns Tribunal's Apportioned Blame
The case stemmed from a devastating incident on November 14, 2014, on National Highway 48 near Nelamangala, Bengaluru. A canter (light goods vehicle) collided with a motorcycle ridden by Naveen Gowda, a 24-year-old engineering graduate. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Bengaluru had earlier apportioned blame, holding the canter driver 80% responsible and the motorcycle rider 20% negligent. This finding formed the basis for its initial compensation order.
However, a division bench of the High Court, comprising Justice B Veerappa and Justice K S Hemalekha, scrutinized the evidence and reached a starkly different conclusion. The judges found no evidence whatsoever to suggest that Naveen Gowda was riding recklessly or contributed to the accident. The court's analysis of the facts led it to hold the canter driver solely and entirely at fault for the fatal collision.
Recalculation Leads to Major Compensation Hike
With the liability firmly established at 100% against the canter driver and his employer, the court proceeded to recalculate the compensation. The victim, Naveen Gowda, was the son of Chikkaboraiah and Jayamma. At the time of his death, he was employed as a trainee and was drawing a monthly salary of Rs 15,000, with strong future earning potential.
The High Court applied a more contemporary and just multiplier to calculate the loss of dependency. It considered the victim's age, prospects, and the financial support he provided to his parents. This meticulous recalculation resulted in the total compensation amount soaring to Rs 3,66,77,184 (over Rs 3.66 crore). The court directed the National Insurance Company Ltd, the insurer of the canter, to pay this enhanced sum to the parents.
Interest and Final Directions
The court's order includes a mandate for the insurance company to pay interest on the enhanced compensation amount. The interest is set at 6% per annum from the date of the claim petition's filing until the full payment is deposited. This ruling not only brings a measure of financial solace to the bereaved parents but also sets a clear legal precedent on establishing fault in motor accident cases.
The Karnataka High Court's judgment underscores a fundamental principle of justice: compensation must be commensurate with the loss, especially when the negligence is absolute. By removing the erroneously apportioned blame from the victim, the court has delivered a verdict that reinforces accountability on the roads.
