K. Kannan, J. - (1.) THE appeal is for enhancement of claim for compensation for death of a male, aged 30 years. The accident was on 17.10.1995. The deceased was a Patwari in Revenue Department, said to be earning about Rs. 5,000/ - per month. The claimant was the sister.
(2.) AT the time of trial, the sister gave evidence to the effect that she had been employed as a teacher on 20.12.1996 and was earning Rs. 7,300/ - per month. The Tribunal, therefore, observed that her own dependency lasted for only 1 year and 2 months and assessed the compensation of Rs. 14,000/ -. In a case where the claim is made by a person who is a legal heir and her own dependence was limited only for a short period, the compensation shall be assessed not merely on the extent of dependence but also as a heir to the deceased who could have come by benefit by inheritance to the estate that the deceased left behind. A Patwari in Revenue Department would have earned substantially and I would believe that the petitioner's own status as a legal heir could not be denied. She would have come by a benefit not less than Rs. 75,000/ - by way of loss to estate.
(3.) THE additional amount of compensation will attract interest at 7.5% per annum from the date of petition till date of payment. The liability shall be in the same manner as assessed already by the Tribunal.;