- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 2ND DAY OF APRIL, 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE P SREE SUDHA MISCELLANEOUS FIRST APPEAL NO. 2435 OF 2024 (MV-I) C/W MISCELLANEOUS FIRST APPEAL NO. 2460 OF 2024 (MV-I) IN MFA No. 2435/2024 BETWEEN: YOGESHA S/O APPEGOWDA, AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, R/AT SHAMBHUNATHAPURA VILLAGE, KASABA HOBLI, ARAKALAGUD TALUK HASSAN DISTRICT. &APPELLANT (BY SRI. SHRIPAD V. SHASTRI, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. PRATHAPA @ NAVEEN S/O BASAVARAJU, AGED ABOUT 28 YEARS, GARUDANAHALLI VILLAGE, (NANDIGOWDANA KOPPALU), HANAGALLI POST, RAMANATHAPURA HOBLI ARAKALAGUD TALUK, HASSAN DISTRICT. 2. THE MANAGER RELIANCE GENERAL INS.CO.LTD., 36/10, 1ST FLOOR, MYSURU TRADE CENTER, Digitally signed by PADMASHREE SHEKHAR DESAI Location: High Court of Karnataka - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 OPP. KSRTC BUS STAND, B.N. ROAD, MYSURU, REPRESENTED BY THE MANAGER, RELIANCE GEN.INS.CO.LTD., 1ST FLOOR, KRUTHIKA ARCADE, NEAR N R CIRCLE, HASSAN. &RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. ASHOK N. PATIL, ADVOCATE FOR R2; VIDE ORDER DATED 01.04.2026, R1 IS SET EXPARTY) THIS MFA IS FILED U/S 173(1) OF MV ACT AGAINST THE JUDGMENT AND AWARD DATED 11.08.2022 PASSED IN MVC NO. 1911/2018 ON THE FILE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL JUDGE AND MACT, ARAKALAGUD, PARTLY ALLOWING THE CLAIM PETITION FOR COMPENSATION AND SEEKING ENHANCEMENT OF COMPENSATION. IN MFA NO. 2460/2024 BETWEEN: SARASA W/O YOGESH, AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS, R/AT SHAMBHUNATHAPURA VILLAGE, KASABA HOBLI, ARAKALAGUD TALUK HASSAN DISTRICT . ...APPELLANT (BY SRI. SHRIPAD V. SHASTRI, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. PRATHAPA @ NAVEEN S/O BASAVARAJU, AGED ABOUT 28 YEARS, GARUDANAHALLI VILLAGE, - 3 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 (NANDIGOWDANA KOPPALU), HANAGALLI POST, RAMANATHAPURA HOBLI ARAKALAGUD TALUK, HASSAN DISTRICT. 2. THE MANAGER RELIANCE GENERAL INS.CO.LTD., 36/10, 1ST FLOOR, MYSURU TRADE CENTER, OPP. KSRTC BUS STAND, B.N. ROAD, MYSURU, REPRESENTED BY THE MANAGER, RELIANCE GEN.INS.CO.LTD., 1ST FLOOR, KRUTHIKA ARCADE, NEAR N R CIRCLE, HASSAN. ...RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. ASHOK N. PATIL, ADVOCATE FOR R2; VIDE ORDER DATED 01.04.2026, R1 IS SET EXPARTY) THIS MFA IS FILED U/S 173(1) OF MV ACT AGAINST THE JUDGMENT AND AWARD DATED 11.08.2022 PASSED IN MVC NO. 1912/2018 ON THE FILE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL JUDGE AND MEMBER, MACT, ARKALGUD, PARTLY ALLOWING THE CLAIM PETITION FOR COMPENSATION AND SEEKING ENHANCEMENT OF COMPENSATION. THESE APPEALS, COMING ON FOR ADMISSION, THIS DAY, JUDGMENT WAS DELIVERED THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE P SREE SUDHA - 4 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 ORAL JUDGMENT IN MFA NO.2435/2024 This appeal is filed by the appellant/claimant under Section 173(1) of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 challenging the common judgment and award dated 11.08.2022 passed in MVC Nos.1911/2018 and 1912/2018. However, MFA No.2435/2024 is filed against the award passed in MVC No.1911/2018 on the file of the Senior Civil Judge and Member, MACT, Arakalagud, seeking enhancement of compensation. 2. Heard the arguments of learned counsel for the appellant and learned counsel for respondent No.2/Insurance Company. The ranks of the parties are retained as per Tribunal for the sake of convenience. 3. The petitioner/Yogesha claimant met with an accident on 19.10.2017 and filed claim petition before the Tribunal for compensation of Rs.20,00,000/-. The Tribunal considering the entire evidence on record granted an amount of Rs.5,38,640/- with interest at the rate of 6% - 5 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 p.a., from the date of filing the petition till the date of realization. Being aggrieved by the said order, this appeal is filed and mainly contended that the charge sheet was filed against the driver for not having a valid driving licence and on that ground, the Tribunal held that the insurance company is not liable to pay compensation. The petitioner/injured relied upon the decision reported in Rukmini9s case (1999 ACJ 171) and other related judgments, to show that mere production of charge sheet is not enough for discharge of burden for not having of driving license. However, as per Pappu and Ors Vs. Vinod Kumar Lamba and Another1 case, the petitioner is entitled to "pay and recovery". It is further contended that the petitioner sustained grievous injuries and was treated as an inpatient for 28 days. But the Tribunal awarded only meagre amounts under other heads. The petitioner/injured suffered 35% disability to the right lower limb and 14% disability to the left lower limb. As per the 1 2018 (3) SCC 308 - 6 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 medical evidence, he was unable to attend any work at least for a period of six months. Therefore, the Tribunal ought to have awarded compensation towards loss of future prospects for six months. Therefore, requested for enhancement of the compensation. 4. Though it is stated that the petitioner was doing agricultural work, Shamiyana and Milk Vending Business, earning Rs.25,000/- per month, he has not filed any income proof. As he met with an accident in the year 2017, his notional income is to be taken as Rs.11,000/- per month, as per the chart prepared by Karnataka State Legal Services Authority. The petitioner/injured was aged 45 years and the relevant multiplier is '14'. As per Ex.P.5- wound certificate, the petitioner sustained the following injuries: "i. Severe crush injury in right foot and ankle with fracture calcanium with soft tissue loss with complete avulsion of heel pad. ii. Extensor tendon injury right knee with joint exposed. iii. 3rd metacarpal fracture right. - 7 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 iv. Abrasion forehead. v. Tenderness chest. vi. Tenderness TL spine." Injury Nos. 1 to 3 are grievous in nature. 5. CW.1-doctor stated that the petitioner underwent surgery and also assessed the physical disability at 35% to the right lower limb and 14% to the left lower limb, total 49%. The Tribunal rightly considered 1/3rd of the same i.e., 16%, as the functional disability. The loss of future earning capacity comes to Rs.2,95,680/- (11,000 x 12 x 14 x 16%). The petitioner was hospitalized for 28 days. Considering his occupation, period of hospitalization and other relevant factors, this Court finds it reasonable to award a sum of Rs.50,000/- towards pain and suffering and Rs.30,000/- towards loss of amenities. The Tribunal has already awarded a sum of Rs.30,000/- towards transportation, extra nourishment and attendant charges and the same is confirmed. The petitioner might not have attended to any other work at - 8 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 least for a period of four months. Therefore, a sum of Rs.44,000/- (11,000 x 4) is awarded towards loss of income during the laid-up period. The petitioner has incurred Rs.2,19,600/- towards medical expenses, the Tribunal already granted the said amount and it is confirmed. 6. Thus in all, compensation awarded by this Court is as below: Sl.Nos. Particulars Amount in Rs. 1. Towards pain and suffering 50,000/- 2. Towards medical expenses 2,19,600/- 3. Towards loss of amenities 30,000/- 4. Towards transportation, extra nourishment and attendant charges 30,000/- 5. Towards loss of income during laid up period 44,000/- 6. Towards loss of future earning capacity 2,95,680/- Total 6,69,280/- - 9 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 7. Hence, the appellant-claimant is entitled for a total compensation of Rs.6,69,280/- along with interest at the rate of 6% p.a. 8. In the result, the following order is passed: ORDER i. The appeal is allowed in part. ii. The judgment and award dated 11.08.2022 passed in MVC No.1911/2018 on the file of the Senior Civil Judge and Member, MACT, Arakalagud, is modified. iii. The claimant is entitled to a sum of Rs.6,69,280/- along with interest at 6% p.a., from the date of petition till the date of realization, instead of Rs.5,38,640/- granted by the tribunal. iv. The Tribunal fastened the liability on owner of the vehicle. As such, the insurance company has not deposited any amount, as - 10 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 it is a case of no valid driving licence. This Court finds it reasonable to invoke the principle of <pay and recovery,= as laid down by the Hon9ble Supreme Court in Pappu and Ors Vs. Vinod Kumar Lamba and Another2. Accordingly, respondent No.2/insurance company is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.6,69,280/- with interest at the rate of 6% per annum within one month from the date of this order. v. On such deposit, petitioner is permitted to withdraw the entire amount along with interest accrued on the same. vi. The insurance company is at liberty to recover the same from the owner of the vehicle by due process of law. 2 2018 (3) SCC 308 - 11 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 IN MFA NO.2460/2024 This appeal is filed by the appellant/claimant under Section 173(1) of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 challenging the common judgment and award dated 11.08.2022 passed in MVC Nos.1911/2018 and 1912/2018. However, MFA No.2460/2024 is filed against the award passed in MVC No.1912/2018 on the file of the Senior Civil Judge and Member, MACT, Arakalagud, seeking enhancement of compensation. 2. Heard the arguments of learned counsel for the appellant and learned counsel for respondent No.2/Insurance Company. The ranks of the parties are retained as per Tribunal for the sake of convenience. 3. The petitioner/Sarasa met with an accident on 19.10.2017 and filed claim petition before the Tribunal for compensation of Rs.8,00,000/-. The Tribunal considering the entire evidence on record granted an amount of Rs.1,59,700/- with interest at the rate of 6% p.a., from - 12 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 the date of filing the petition till the date of realization. Being aggrieved by the said order, this appeal is filed and mainly contended that as it is a case of no valid driving licence, the petitioner is entitled to <pay and recovery= as per the law laid down by the Hon9ble Supreme Court in Pappu and Ors Vs. Vinod Kumar Lamba and Another3. It is further stated that the Tribunal has awarded meagre amounts under other heads. The petitioner/injured was an inpatient for six days and could not attend to any other work at least for a period of three months. Therefore, requested for enhancement of the compensation. 4. The petitioner/injured filed Ex.P.11-wound certificate and as per the said wound certificate, she sustained the following injuries: "i. Fracture of scaphoid left, ii. Laceration left index finger and iii. Abrasion forehead.= 3 2018 (3) SCC 308 - 13 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 Out of the said injuries, injury No.1 is grievous in nature. 5. The petitioner/injured was hospitalized for a period of six days. CW.1-doctor assessed the disability of the petitioner/Sarasa at 18% to the left upper limb in relation to the hand and lumbar spine. The Tribunal has rightly considered 1/3rd of the same i.e., 6%, as the disability. The petitioner was aged 40 years and the relevant multiplier is 8159. Accordingly, the loss of future earning capacity comes to Rs.1,18,800/- (11,000 x 12 x 15 x 6%). The Tribunal has awarded Rs.30,000/- towards pain and suffering and the same is confirmed. The petitioner is also entitled to Rs.30,000/- towards transportation, extra nourishment, and attendant charges. The Tribunal has awarded a sum of Rs.15,300/- towards medical expenses, which is confirmed. The petitioner might not have attended any other work at least for a period of three months. Therefore, a sum of Rs.33,000/- - 14 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 (11,000 x 3) is awarded towards loss of income during the laid-up period. The Tribunal has already awarded Rs.10,000/- towards loss of amenities and the same is confirmed. 6. Thus in all, compensation awarded by this Court is as below: 7. Hence, the appellant-claimant is entitled for a total compensation of Rs.2,37,100/- along with interest at the rate of 6% p.a. Sl.Nos. Particulars Amount in Rs. 1. Towards pain and suffering 30,000/- 2. Towards medical expenses 15,300/- 3. Towards loss of amenities 10,000/- 4. Towards transportation, extra nourishment and attendant charges 30,000/- 5. Towards loss of income during laid up period 33,000/- 6. Towards loss of future earning capacity 1,18,800/- Total 2,37,100/- - 15 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 8. In the result, the following order is passed: ORDER vii. The appeal is allowed in part. viii. The judgment and award dated 11.08.2022 passed in MVC No.1912/2018 on the file of the Senior Civil Judge and Member, MACT, Arakalagud, is modified. ix. The claimant is entitled to a sum of Rs.2,37,100/- along with interest at 6% p.a., from the date of petition till the date of realization, instead of Rs.1,59,700/- granted by the tribunal. x. The Tribunal fastened the liability on owner of the vehicle. As such, the insurance company has not deposited any amount, as it is a case of no valid driving licence. This Court finds it reasonable to invoke the principle of <pay and recovery,= as laid - 16 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:18305 MFA No. 2435 of 2024 C/W MFA No. 2460 of 2024 down by the Hon9ble Supreme Court in Pappu and Ors Vs. Vinod Kumar Lamba and Another4. Accordingly, respondent No.2/insurance company is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.2,37,100/- with interest at the rate of 6% per annum within one month from the date of this order. xi. On such deposit, petitioner is permitted to withdraw the entire amount along with interest accrued on the same. xii. The insurance company is at liberty to recover the same from the owner of the vehicle by due process of law. Sd/- (P SREE SUDHA) JUDGE AMA List No.: 1 Sl No.: 57 4 2018 (3) SCC 308