JUDGEMENT
SINGH,C.J. -
(1.)THIS appeal is directed against the award of
Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Sehore, in MCC No. 17/89, dated
March 5,1994.
(2.)ACCIDENT took place on 8.4.1989 when Sunderlal (50) was hit by tractor No. MKC 1753 -cum -Trolley No. MIB 7833. Allegation is that
the accident took place due to rash and negligent driving of the offending
vehicle. Deceased died as a result of injuries suffered by him in this
accident. Claimants, wife and children of deceased, are claiming
compensation of Rs. 5,65,000/ -. Respondents 1 and 2 have disputed
these allegations against them. They deny that the deceased was hit by
the vehicle in question resulting in serious injuries to him. They do not
admit that the vehicle was being driven rashly and negligently by the
driver. Rather, it was being driven cautiously. Deceased was in the habit
of taking liquor and on the date of accident, he had taken too much
liquor, as a result of which he fell from the cycle resulting in injuries.
He was taken to the hospital by the driver. He was an old man. He was
not earning anything. He was dependent on his sons, therefore, there
was no possibility of his living for long. Consequently, the claimants
are not entitled to compensation and the claim deserves to be dismissed.
Insurance company alleges that driver of tractor did not possess valid
driving licence, therefore, it is not responsible and the claim be dismissed.
After recording of evidence, hearing parties. Claims Tribunal came
to the conclusion that deceased did not die due to injuries caused by the
vehicle and that it was not being driven rashly and negligently and
deceased did not die due to accident, as alleged, though finding with
regard to relationship of claimants with deceased is in favour of the
claimants. Ultimately, claim has been rejected because the accident has
not been proved.
Through the present appeal, award of Claims Tribunal has been assailed particularly finding with regard to causing of accident by the
vehicle and payment of compensation to the claimants. Shri Siddharth
Datt, for the claimants and Shri N.S. Ruprah took us through the case -file.
Shri Datt contended that the finding of the Claims Tribunal that vehicle
has not caused the accident injuries and death of the deceased is not
based on correct appraisal of evidence. While Shri Ruprah contended
otherwise.
(3.)THE crucial question for determination is whether there is evidence pointing out about causing of accident by this vehicle and death of
deceased, as alleged. From the statement of Mohan Rathore, it is clear
that the deceased died due to accident caused by tractor and trolley. Shri
Ruprah contended that this witness has not given the number of tractor
and trolley. We think it was not necessary nor he was asked to do so
either by way of cross -examination or clarification by the Court.
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