- (1.) This is an appeal by the owner and driver of the vehicle against the award dated March 20, 2006 passed by the learned Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Chandigarh (for short the Tribunal), whereby the compensation of Rs. 14,03,824 has been awarded against the appellants along with interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of filing of the claim petition till the date of actual realisation.
(2.) Notice of motion was issued in the present appeal limiting it to the question of interest only.
(3.) After hearing learned Counsel for the parties, I do not find that the interest granted by the learned Tribunal is on a higher side, keeping in view the facts that even the banks now-a-days are giving interest @ 9% per annum on the Fixed Deposits. During earlier period, in some cases, the Courts had awarded interest @ 7.5% per annum also, but at that time, the rate of interest granted by the banks on the deposits was lower. Accordingly, I do not find any illegality has been committed by the learned Tribunal in awarding the rate of interest @ 9% per annum. Dismissed. Appeal dismissed.;