Madras high court confirms `12 lakh relief to kin of conductor run over by bus

MADURAI: The Madras high court has confirmed the 11.9 lakh compensation awarded by the motor accident claims tribunal to the family members of a government bus conductor who was killed after a State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) bus ran over him in 2010.
The deceased Kathirvel was working as a conductor. On August 1, 2010, when he was going on a trip, the bus stopped due to traffic congestion in Trichy district.He got down to inquire about the reason for the traffic. A SETC bus which came in a rash and negligent manner hit him. Kathirvel sustained severe injuries and was admitted to a hospital where he died the next day.
Kathirvel’s family members filed a petition before the Trichy motor accident claims tribunal seeking compensation. In 2012, the tribunal directed SETC to pay 11.9 lakh compensation. Challenging the same, SETC (appellant) had filed the present civil miscellaneous appeals.
The appellant stated that the deceased suddenly crossed the road and he invited the accident. The SETC bus driver was not responsible.
Justice R Tharani observed that the deceased had got down from the bus to enquire the reason for the traffic congestion. When there is traffic congestion, it is the duty of the upcoming vehicle to park the vehicle on the extreme left side of the road. Instead of parking the vehicle on the left side of the road, the bus driver has tried to overtake the vehicles.
The judge observed that as per the FIR and the statement of witnesses, the driver had driven the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner. Concluding that the driver is responsible for the accident, he is dutybound to pay compensation for the claimants, observed the judge.