Chennai: The motor accident claims tribunal, Chennai, has directed a public sector insurance firm to pay a compensation of Rs7.65 lakh to an aged couple for the death of their son in a road accident. The petitioners, M. Balan and B. Chandra of Chengalpet, submitted that their son B. Manikandan, 24, a welder, with Prabakaran riding pillion, were proceeding to Kelambakkam from

Karumbakkam on a two-wheeler in September 2, 2007. A lorry, driven in a rash and negligent manner by its driver, hit the mobike opposite Suram hospital on Kelambakkam main road. The lorry tyres ran over Manikandan’s legs and he suffered grievous injuries. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Kelambakkam and later to the government general hospital, Chengalpet, and Stanley government hospital, Chennai. Manikandan died on January 8, 2008.

The Kelambakkam police registered a case against the driver, based on a complaint from Prabakaran. During the trial, Prabakaran submitted that the rash lorry driver was responsible for the accident.
The petitioners sought a compensation of `10 lakh from the owner of the vehicle, Y. Srinivasa Reddy of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and the insurer of the vehicle, New India Insurance Company Ltd. Denying the allegations, the insurance firm submitted that the alleged incident occurred on September 2, 2007, and Manikandan died on January 8, 2008.

On completion of the trial, special sub-judge V. Chandran said, “In the absence of contra evidence, this tribunal holds that the accident occurred only due to the rash and negligent driving of the driver. It is proved that the deceased died due to the injuries caused in the accident. The petitioners are entitled to receive compensation.” He ordered that the petitioners receive a compensation of `7.65 lakh. The insurance firm has been directed to deposit the amount in in two months.