Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur
Order Date: 26 September 2026
Case Overview
- Appellants: Salanti Minj (widow of the deceased), Mariyam Minj (minor daughter), Gendram Minj (father), Tigo Minj (brother).
- Respondents: Vidya Sahu (tractor driver), Pural Lal Sahu (tractor owner), Megma HDI General Insurance Company Limited (insurer).
- The appeal challenged the award dated 08‑08‑2023 of Rs 19,82,120 granted by the 1st Additional Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Korba, in Motor Accident Claim Case No. 16/2019 concerning the death of Shyam Minj in a road accident on 05‑11‑2018.
- Appellants argued that the Tribunal incorrectly assessed the deceased’s monthly income at Rs 8,400 (minimum unskilled wage) and sought enhancement based on a claimed earning of Rs 19,800 as painter and sweeper, but no documentary evidence was produced.
- The Tribunal had found the driver Vidya Sahu negligent, and had based compensation on notional income due to lack of proof of higher earnings.
Final Outcome
- The Court condoned a 359‑day delay in filing the appeal (I.A. No. 01/2024).
- After reviewing the evidence, the Court held that the Tribunal correctly assessed the income and that the award of Rs 19,82,120 is just and reasonable.
- The appeal was dismissed at the admission stage, leaving the original compensation award unchanged.
Topics: Motor Accident Compensation, Judicial Decision