UOI v. Chiman Lal

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Date of Decision : 05.04.2025 Union of India .....Appellant

Versus

Chiman Lal and others .....Respondents Union of India .....Appellant

Versus

Gora Lal and others .....Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PANKAJ JAIN Present :

Ms. Gehna Vaishnavi, Advocate for the appellant/UOI.

Mr. Vipul Sharma, Advocate for the respondents/cross-objectors.

PANKAJ JAIN, J.(Oral) FAO No.2229 of 2001 FAO No.3200 of 2002 Both the appeals relate to compensation claimed for the death of passengers, who died in a bomb blast that took place at Lehra Khana Railway Station Bathinda. It is not disputed that the claimants were paid ex-

gratia payment of Rs.15,000/- as the Railways admitted them to be bona fide passengers.

2.

Counsel for the appellant is not in position to dispute that the case of the claimants would be fully covered and the claimants are entitled for compensation as awarded by the Tribunal.

3.

In view of above, the appeals are ordered to be dismissed. XOBJC No.10-CII of 2002 XOBJC No.1-CII of 2003 Instant Cross-objections are at the behest of claimants, who seek compensation in terms of Schedule appended to Railway Accidents and Untoward Incidents (Compensation) Rules, 1990. 2.

Counsel for the appellant/respondent in the cross-objections does not dispute that the compensation needs to be awarded in terms of Schedule.

3.

Resultantly, the award passed by the Tribunal is modified to the extent that the claimants in the appeals shall be entitled to a compensation of Rs.2.00 lac each along with interest @ 9% per annum from the date of accident till the date of actual realization or Rs.8.00 lacs without interest, whichever is higher.

4.

With the aforesaid modification, the instant cross-objections are allowed.

5.

A copy of this order be kept on the files of other connected cases.

April 05, 2025 (Pankaj Jain) Dpr Judge Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether Reportable :

Yes/No