1.0 This appeal is directed against the judgement and award dated 14.06.1995 passed by the learned Motor Accident Claims Tribunal No.III (Aux) in Motor Accident Claim Petition No.19 of 1987 wherein the Tribunal has awarded a sum of Rs.56900/ along with interest at the rate of 15% from the date of petition till its realization. It was also stipulated that if the amount is paid within three months the interest shall be at the rate of 12% per annum.
2.0 In the present case on 02.06. 1986 the claimant was traveling in an auto rickshaw. The said rickshaw turned turtle as a result of which the claimant sustained injuries and had taken treatment. He therefore filed the aforesaid claim petition wherein the impugned award came to be passed which is challenged in this petition.
3.0 Learned Advocate for the appellant submitted that the Tribunal has not considered the policy at Exh.21 and the statutory tariff for charging the amount of insurance and the affidavit of Administrative Officer Mr. Sapra. He further submitted that under Section 95(2)(b)(ii) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1939, liability with respect to passenger is limited to Rs.15,000/. He also submitted that the Tribunal ought not to have awarded interest at the rate of 15%.
4.0 I have heard the learned Advocate for the appellant at length and perused the relevant documents on record. As regards the contention of statutory tariff or its limited liability is concerned, the Insurance Company has not chosen to examine its officer. Copy of the policy which is placed on record shows that the relevant column is blank. Undoubtedly no officer was examined to establish the limited liability of the Insurance company. In that view of the matter the contention of the appellant cannot be accepted.
5.0 However, I am of the view that the Tribunal ought not to have granted interest at the rate of 15%. It should have been only 12%. Therefore the interest rate is reduced to 12% instead of 15%. The appellant shall be liable to pay interest @ 12% instead of 15% from the date of claim petition till realization. The excess amount deposed by the appellants qua 3% interest shall be refunded. The award is modified to the aforesaid extent. Appeal is partly allowed with no order as to costs.
(K.S.JHAVERI, J.) niru*