Woman Who Fell While Getting Off Bus Gets Compensation Raised From Rs 15,000 To Rs 50,000 By MP HC

The appellant challenged the award dated 25 April 2025 of the 12th Additional Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Gwalior, which granted her ₹15,000 for injuries sustained in a bus accident on 21 February 2023.

The accident, negligence and liability were undisputed; the appeal concerned the adequacy of compensation.

The appellant sought condonation of a 110-day delay in filing the appeal, submitting that she was poor and unfamiliar with legal procedure.

She argued that the Tribunal had not adequately considered her injuries, including a tooth injury recorded in the MLC, and the pain and incidental expenses she suffered.

Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 permits condonation of delay where sufficient cause is shown.

Section 173(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides for an appeal against an award of a Claims Tribunal.

The Court assessed whether the compensation awarded was adequate in light of the injuries, medical evidence and pain and suffering; it cited no precedent or more specific compensation formula.

The Court accepted the explanation for delay and, noting the absence of a written objection from the other side, condoned the 110-day delay.

On compensation, it considered the MLC evidence of a tooth injury, the nature of the injuries and the appellant’s pain and suffering.

It found the Tribunal’s ₹15,000 award inadequate and considered ₹50,000 an appropriate total award in the circumstances.

It modified the award to grant total compensation of ₹50,000, inclusive of the ₹15,000 already awarded.

The enhanced amount of ₹35,000 carries interest at 6% per annum from the date of filing of the claim petition until realization; all other terms of the award remain unchanged.