THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY C.M.A.No.1117 of 2004 JUDGMENT: Dasireddy Rajeshwar Rao, husband of the 1st respondent and son of the 3rd respondent, was working as a Supervisor in Milling system in N.T.P.C., and was drawing salary of about Rs.6,000/-, per month, in the year 2001. At 12.30 noon, on 04.05.2001, when he was proceeding on a scooter, near Gate No.II of N.T.P.C. to Godavarikhani, a bus, bearing No. AP 10 Z 8514, owned by the appellant herein and driven by the 2nd respondent, dashed against the scooter, resulting in instantaneous death of Rajeshwar Rao. Crime No.52 of 2001 was registered by P.S. Ramagundam. The 1st respondent filed O.P.No.332 of 2001 before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal-cum-I Additional District Judge, Karimnagar, claiming a sum of Rs.5,00,000/-, as compensation. The mother of the 1st respondent was shown as 3rd respondent in the O.P. It was pleaded that the accident occurred, on account of the rashness on the part of the driver of the bus. The appellant filed counter, opposing the O.P. It was pleaded that the deceased contributed to the accident. The appellant has also raised the plea that the compensation claimed by the 1st respondent is exorbitant. Through order, dated 13.11.2003, the Tribunal awarded a sum of Rs.3,88,940/-, as compensation, with interest at 9%, per annum, and apportioned the same among respondents 1 and 3. Heard learned counsel for the appellant and learned counsel for the respondents. The fact that the deceased died in an accident involving the bus is not disputed. On behalf of the 1st respondent, PWs.1 to 3 were examined and Exs.A.1 to A.10 were filed. FIR, inquest report, Post- mortem report and charge sheet, marked as Exs.A.1 to A.4, establish the said fact. The Tribunal recorded a finding to the effect that the accident occurred, on account of the rashness on the part of the 2nd respondent. This Court is not inclined to take a different view. The deceased was an employee in N.T.P.C. His salary certificate was marked as Ex.A.5. The Tribunal has taken the salary of the deceased at Rs.3,000/- per month. Even from that, one-third was deducted towards his personal expenditure. The relevant multiplier was applied and the compensation was awarded. Strictly speaking, the salary of the deceased was to be taken as per the salary certificate. It is not shown as to how the compensation awarded by the Tribunal is excessive. One aspect, which, however, appeals to this Court, is that the Tribunal awarded interest at 9%, per annum. In matters of this nature, interest is to be awarded at 7%, per annum. Hence, the appeal is partly allowed, reducing the rate of interest from 9% to 7%, per annum. In all other respects, the award is upheld. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY, J Dt:23.12.2011 GJ