Hyderabad: Court orders TGSRTC, bus driver to pay Rs 10.3L to family of accident victim

Hyderabad: A city court has ordered the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) and one of its bus drivers to jointly pay Rs 10.3 lakh compensation with 9% annual interest to the family of a motor accident victim.

Fatal crash in Jangaon

The case relates to the death of T. Yadagiri (55), who was killed on November 6, 2019, when a TGSRTC bus allegedly entered the wrong lane at high speed and rammed into his motorcycle near Nidigonda village in Jangaon district.

While Yadagiri died on the spot, his wife, who was riding pillion, suffered injuries. Police at Raghunathapalli registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet against the bus driver, M. Nagesh.

Petition by dependents

A compensation claim was filed by Yadagiri’s wife, Laxmi Bai, his son Jampu (who died during the trial), and his minor granddaughter Jasmitha. The court recognised only the wife and granddaughter as legal dependents.

Court’s findings

After examining the FIR, chargesheet, inquest, and post-mortem reports, the court held that the accident was caused by rash and negligent driving by the bus driver. It rejected TGSRTC’s argument that the corporation was not responsible.

Calculation of compensation

Though the family claimed Yadagiri earned Rs 25,000 per month, they could not submit documentary proof. The court fixed his income at Rs 9,516 per month, the minimum wage for a light motor driver, and added 10% towards prospects.

Using the legal multiplier, the court assessed the loss of dependency at Rs 9.21 lakh. Additional compensation was awarded under other heads, Rs 80,000 towards consortium, Rs 15,000 for loss of estate, and Rs 15,000 towards funeral expenses, bringing the total to Rs 10.3 lakh.

Disbursement order

The court directed that Laxmi Bai may withdraw Rs 3 lakh from the award, while the minor granddaughter’s share will be kept in a fixed deposit until she turns 18.