Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 23:
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Manipur has asked an insurance company to pay Rs 4,20,500 to one Ratan Kumar Singh, a Deputy Ranger in the Forest Department, whose left arm was amputated after a bus accident in November 2003.The amount inclusive of the interim compensation of Rs 25,000 should be paid with interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the date of filing the case in December 2003 till payment within a month of passing the order, Presiding Officer of the Tribunal Ph Surendra Singh ruled in his order on September 8.On November 29, 2003 at about 10.30 am, Ratankumar along with his wife were travelling in a bus from Moreh to Imphal when the bus met with an accident near Lokchao, due to rash and negligent driving, said case dossiers.
Twenty passengers including the claimant suffered bodily injuries in the accident.
After being admitted to RIMS, the claimant's left hand was amputated above the elbow.
Moreh police registered an FIR in connection with the accident, the dossiers said.
The Tribunal ruled that since his arm has been amputated, the claimant must be facing inconveniences and difficulties while discharging his duties at the office.
�He is the person who has lost the physical comfort and amenities of life.
So a special compensation is to be given to him,� it ruled.
In view of the difficulties faced by the claimant, the Tribunal gave the break up of the amount to be paid to him.
As per the break up, Rs 2 lakhs is to be paid by the insurance company for injury/permanent disablement, Rs 80,500 for medical expenses, Rs 1,20,000 for special compensation for the loss of physical comfort and inconveniences in performing his official works and future partial loss of income and Rs 20,000 to be paid for the sufferings faced by the claimant.
If the respondents fail to pay the compensation within four months time from the date of the order, the rate of interest shall increase from 6 pc to 12 pc, the Tribunal ruled.