Road Accident 2019: The Karnataka High Court has significantly increased the compensation awarded to the family of a 19-year-old diploma student, M S Srihari, who died in a tragic road accident in 2019. The court raised the amount from ₹1,53,000 to ₹21,28,800, ensuring justice for the grieving family.
Incident Details
The accident occurred on April 23, 2019, when Srihari was riding pillion on a motorcycle with his friend Aravind. While traveling on the Hejjala-Kempadyapanahalli Road near Bengaluru, the rider lost control of the bike due to rash and high-speed driving, crashing into a mud wall near Mallathahalli village in Ramanagara district. Both Srihari and Aravind died on the spot.
Srihari, a diploma student at PES College, was also earning ₹20,000 per month from a milk vending business. His family sought ₹30 lakh in compensation, citing their financial dependence on him.
Initial Tribunal Ruling
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) had, in April 2022, awarded ₹1.53 lakh as compensation, primarily holding the motorcycle owner, Suraj Kumar, liable. The Tribunal cited the absence of a valid driving licence as a policy violation, which limited the liability of the insurance company.
High Court’s Revision
Dissatisfied with the Tribunal’s verdict, Srihari’s family appealed to the Karnataka High Court. The family argued that the insurance company should initially pay the compensation and recover the amount from the vehicle owner, as per a Supreme Court precedent.
A division bench comprising Justices K S Mudagal and Vijayakumar A Patil acknowledged the appeal and revised the compensation to ₹21,28,800. The court directed the insurance company to pay the amount upfront, allowing them to recover it from the motorcycle owner later.
Significance of the Ruling
This enhanced compensation ensures financial support for Srihari’s parents and sister, addressing their loss. It also reinforces the legal principle that victims’ families should not bear the burden of protracted disputes between insurers and vehicle owners.
Road Safety Reminder
This tragic accident news update highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic laws. The case also underscores the critical role of courts in delivering justice to accident victims’ families.
Stay informed with more updates on today accident news and other key legal developments.
Source: HT
