THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY C.M.A.No.578 of 2001 JUDGMENT: Mutti Reddy Ramchandra Reddy, husband of respondent No.1 and son of respondent Nos.2 and 3, was employed as a driver to work on a private jeep bearing No. AP 36 T 6555. On 11.05.1998, he was proceeding in the jeep from Ellandu to Mahabubabad Village. On the way at Lachigudem Village, R.T.C. bus bearing No.AP 10 Z 2605, is said to have dashed against the jeep, resulting in death of Ramchandra Reddy. Crime No.69 of 1998 was registered against the driver of the bus i.e. respondent No.4 herein under Sections 304-A and 337 I.P.C. Respondent No.1 filed M.V.O.P.No.446 of 1998 before the Chairman, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (III Additional District Judge) Warangal (for short ‘the Tribunal’) claiming a sum of Rs.3,50,000/- as compensation. It was pleaded that the deceased was being paid a salary of Rs.2,000/- per month and that he was aged 28 years at the time of accident. The O.P. was opposed by the appellant. It was pleaded that the accident occurred on account of rashness on the part of the deceased himself. Through order, dated 30.10.2000, the Tribunal awarded a sum of Rs.3,45,600/- as compensation. Interest at 12% per annum was awarded. The same is challenged in this appeal. Heard the learned counsel for the appellant and the learned counsel for respondent Nos.1 to 3. On behalf of respondent No.1, P.Ws.1 to 3 were examined and Exs.A1 to A5 were filed. Taking into account the fact that the crime was registered against respondent No.4 alone, the Tribunal held that the accident occurred on account of his negligence. Therefore, the plea of the appellant that the accident occurred on account of rashness on the part of the deceased himself, cannot be accepted. P.W.1 specifically pleaded that her husband was being paid a sum of Rs.2,000/- as salary. The Tribunal has taken into account the salary payable under the Minimum Wages Act for a driver and arrived at the correct facts and figures. This Court is not inclined to interfere with the quantum of compensation. The Tribunal awarded interest at 12% per annum. By any standard, that rate of interest is on higher side. In matters arising under the Motor Vehicles Act, the interest payable is generally 7%. Hence, the appeal is partly allowed upholding the order under appeal in all other respects, but reducing the interest to 7%. There shall be no order as to costs. _____________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY,J Dt:29.12.2011. kdl