Tejinder Singh Dhindsa, J. - (1.) Defendants are in second appeal before this Court.
(2.) Plaintiffs (respondents herein) filed a suit for recovery of Rs.30 lakhs as damages against the defendants on account of loss suffered by them due to deprivation of love and affection, loss of estate and medical expenses incurred on account of murder of Albel Singh. Plaintiffs were the widow, son and daughters of Albel Singh (since deceased). It was averred that on 25.11.2006 at about 8:00 A.M., the defendants, namely, Bikramjit Singh @ Babbi, Pritpal Singh @ Titi armed with 'sword' and 'kirch' launched attack upon Albel Singh and who finally succumbed to the injuries suffered. Plaintiffs had stated that Albel Singh was the sole bread earner and was having 50 killas of land. He was also engaged in other activities like running of a dairy farm and property dealing business. Plaintiffs stated that Albel Singh was earning approximately Rs.35,000/- per acre. After his murder, plaintiffs were unable to cultivate the land in question as they had no experience and aptitude and as such, the land was then given on chakota at the rate of Rs.18/19,000/- per killa and as such, a loss of Rs.15,000/- per killa was incurred. It was stated that Albel Singh at the time of his death was 57 years old and if normal life expectancy was to be seen, the plaintiffs have been put to a great financial loss. Furthermore, Albel Singh had to be admitted in various hospitals including DMC, Ludhiana and as such, a heavy amount was incurred upon his medical expenses and treatment. In all a sum of Rs.30 lakhs was claimed towards damages.
(3.) Upon notice having been issued, defendants contested the suit and filed written statement. A case of denial was set up. The incident of 25.11.2006 was also denied. It was also stated that plaintiffs No.3 to 5 are daughters of Albel Singh, who are married and were not in any manner dependant on the deceased. Plaintiff No.2 was the son and was able bodied and used to cultivate the land along with his father i.e. Albel Singh and as such, there was no question of having suffered any loss of agriculture income.;