Authority: Madras High Court
Order Date: 07-07-2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Appellants – Managing Director and Branch Manager of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd.; Respondents – M. Sumathi, M. Mageswari, minor children of the deceased (M. Mahadevan, M. Madhumadi, M. Mahadevi) represented by their mother, and parents Maruthai and M. Chinnammal.
- The dispute arose from a motor accident on 17‑09‑2010 on Ariyalur road where the deceased, Marimuthu, riding a cycle, was struck by a bus owned by the appellant corporation, resulting in his death on the spot.
- The claim petition was filed before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) / II Special Judge, Small Causes Court, Chennai, under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- The Tribunal found the bus driver’s rash and negligent driving caused the accident and awarded compensation totaling Rs 31,05,520, broken down as:
- Loss of dependency – Rs 27,95,520
- Loss of consortium – Rs 2,80,000
- Loss of estate – Rs 15,000
- Funeral expenses – Rs 15,000
- Interest at 7.5 % per annum from the date of petition.
- The transport corporation appealed, contending that the Tribunal’s notional monthly income of Rs 13,000 for the deceased was excessive given the accident occurred in 2010.
Final Outcome
- The Court held that, despite the 2010 accident date, the notional monthly income of Rs 13,000 was justified considering seven dependents and the deceased’s occupation as a parotta master.
- The Court found the compensation amounts under all heads reasonable and did not interfere with the Tribunal’s award.
- The appeal is dismissed. The corporation is directed to deposit the awarded compensation with accrued interest, after deducting any amount already paid, within six weeks of receiving the judgment copy.
- The Tribunal’s directions regarding the mode of payment remain unchanged. No costs are awarded. The connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
Topics: Motor Accident Compensation, Transport Corporation Liability